At an open Bectu meeting in London last week, more than 100 freelancers issued an overwhelming objection to a proposed new rate card that could result in a pay cut for self-employed workers. Further concerns were voiced at the suggestion that the BBC is attempting to impose guidelines without discussion or consultation. In response the union will attempt to gain recognition from the BBC in the same way that it currently recognises a union to represent full-time staff.
The first step in this recognition campaign will be to collect signatures to a petition confirming support for collective bargaining with the BBC. This will be a legal document that will be presented to the Central Arbitration Committee. Bectu hopes to get 10,000 signatures.
Bectu assistant general secretary Martin Spence told Broadcast Freelancer: 'This is a very ambitious goal - but the alternative is to allow the BBC to dictate new reduced rates which will become the new norm across television. We cannot allow that. Instead, we are going for recognition so that freelance workers are treated with the respect that they deserve, and that other workers take for granted.'
To download a PDF copy of the petition go here.
Bectu is organising further meetings to discuss the issue. These will take place in Bristol on Thursday 6 July, Manchester on Thursday 13 July and Birmingham on Monday 17 July.
No comments yet