London Freelancers Gather For Union Forum

Thousands of BECTU freelance members from the south-east have been invited to join a union forum this weekend.
2011 is the first year in which a traditional conference of delegates from BECTU's freelance, film and facilities branches around London is replaced by an open meeting of all members willing to attend.
Members entitled to attend are in union branches belonging to BECTU's London Production Division, including some in permanent employment in studios, production companies and post-production houses.
The change is intended to open up the union's process of debate and decision-making to as many members as possible.
Instead of written propositions and a long activity report, attendees will be able to participate in an open discussion about developments in their sector or craft, as well as a structured seminar on "Working in feature films" where presenters will include BECTU's Martin Spence and Steve Clark-Hall, Co-producer of "Sherlock Holmes".
Other topics likely to be raised are BECTU's new recognition agreement with the BBC, and the future of the union's agreement with producers' association PACT.
The forum runs from 11.00 until mid-afternoon on Sunday 23rd October 2011, at the University of London Union, WC1E 7HY.
Advance registration is encouraged, but is not obligatory. Contact: [email protected]
(BMcN)