MTV: BECTU THREATENS ACTION

MTV NETWORKS Europe, broadcaster of several music channels, could be the first company to be the subject of a bid for BECTU recognition under the new Employment Relations Act.
New proposals by management at MTV could lead BECTU to take legal action to gain union recognition at the company before the end of the year.
In recent weeks union membership among staff has soared following proposals from MTV to tighten and implement stricter terms and conditions affecting staff.
Staff in Broadcast Services, the company’s resource department, are said to be ‘up-in-arms’ about plans to cut holiday entitlement by a third, increase working hours and generally introduce more oppressive clauses into staff contracts.
However, staff have remained sceptical due to the company’s preference for their ‘consultation process’ over the clear request of staff for union representation. If the company does not back track members are poised to use new legislation which will permit union assistance at individual grievance hearings.
BECTU Official, Sharon Elliot, said: “Developments at MTV have moved quickly in recent weeks. Whilst we are providing information and advice to a large group of individual members we also have sufficient support to go forward with a formal bid for recognition. We want to build on that support to launch a bid before Christmas.”