BECTU working hours limit call

BECTU's Annual Conference has called for tighter working time controls.
The call came at the union's 2002 Annual Conference held at Manchester, which also considered changes to BECTU's Rules.
Along with tighter control over working hours under the Working Time Directive the Conference agreed "the implementation of a ceiling for realistic working hours".
On broadcasting Conference agreed to lobby to preserve the regional nature of both ITV and BBC television - this was passed against the background of the consolidation of ITV companies and the collapse of ITV Digital.
It was also agreed to press the government, through the TUC, for 5% compulsory contributions by employers to Stakeholder Pensions, and that discrimination against age is challenged in all BECTU equality material.
A review of BECTU recruitment and retention policy was agreed along with cross-divisional organising for growth courses.
Amongst the union's Rule changes agreed was 'job sharing' of seats on the National Executive Committee (NEC) and amendments to facilitate public liability insurance for freelance members, which was the subject of a recent ballot.
Announced during the closing session of Conference was the result of BECTU's NEC and President elections.
It is expected the next Conference will be held in mid-May 2003 at Eastbourne.
Full details of decisions taken at Conference are posted on their website www.bectu.co.uk in an area that was updated throughout the weekend of Conference.
(GB)