U.K. Crew Union Stages Protest at Major Studios Over Work Hours and Safety
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Bectu, a U.K. crew union, staged a protest outside the London offices of major production companies and broadcasters, including Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. The action highlights a campaign to end 'broken turnaround,' the failure to provide a mandatory 11-hour rest break between workdays. The union is supported by several industry bodies and is pushing for producers to honor a previous joint pledge to eliminate the practice.
Facts First
- Bectu staged a protest outside offices of Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC Studios, ITV, ITN, and Paramount.
- The union is campaigning to end 'broken turnaround'—the failure to provide a mandatory 11-hour rest break.
- A 2023 survey of 500 members found one in four admitted to driving while dangerously tired.
- Bectu is supported by Directors U.K., Equity, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, and international unions.
- Bectu and producers' body Pact issued a joint pledge last year to eliminate broken turnaround.
What Happened
Bectu, a U.K. crew union, staged a protest outside the London offices of major production companies and broadcasters including Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC Studios, ITV, ITN, and Paramount. The protest involved a walking convoy of members that began at Amazon's headquarters in East London and planned to visit 18 different offices. The action focuses on the issue of 'broken turnaround,' which is defined as a contractual 11-hour rest break between the end of a work day and the start time the following day. Bectu sent a letter to the producers' body Pact and studios regarding this issue.
Why this Matters to You
If you work in film or television production, your safety and work-life balance are directly at stake. A union survey found one in four respondents admitted to driving while tired and either falling asleep or nearly falling asleep at the wheel, which could put you and others at risk. The intensity of working hours made it difficult for 72% of surveyed members to fulfill commitments outside of work, affecting your family and personal life. The campaign... aims to create a safer, more sustainable working environment for crews.
What's Next
Bectu's campaign is likely to continue applying pressure on producers and studios to honor their commitments. Last year, Bectu and Pact issued a joint statement pledging to eliminate broken turnaround and invited producers to a roundtable discussion, which could be a next step for negotiations. Variety has contacted the major studios involved for comment, and their responses may shape the next phase of discussions.