Creative industries union, Bectu, has launched a new campaign demanding better working conditions for crew working in TV Drama.

The new campaign seeks to improve terms and to create a more sustainable industry for crew, “many of whom are suffering from burn out, low morale and compromising their health with excessive hours.”

Earlier this year, the Film and TV Charity’s ‘Looking Glass ‘21’ report showed that 65% of workers surveyed are considering leaving the industry.

Bectu has been in negotiations with Pact over the terms of the TV Drama Agreement, which sets out best working practices for Pact’s drama company member base in areas such as hours, rest breaks, travel time and dealing with complaints.

Bectu says it is concerned that the existing agreement does not “adequately address the industry’s wellbeing and health and safety crisis caused by the growing volume of work and excessive long hours culture.”

Bectu National Secretary, Spencer MacDonald, said: “The UK TV Drama industry has reached a critical point. Crew are feeling burnt out, disrespected and unable to sustain a family life and their own wellbeing.

“The 24/7 film and TV culture is unrealistic and damaging to worker mental health, and we urgently need to reset the industry’s culture and ways of working. The industry is booming and through these negotiations we have an opportunity to establish a more sustainable industry that respects the home lives and safety of our members.”

“Our members deserve better and we are pushing for a set of agreed terms that are respected by both crew and producers.”

Jon Creamer

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