About the Unscripted TV Union
Who are the UTVU?
We are a branch of BECTU, a Union who represents over 40,000 freelancers, contract workers and staff in the media and entertainment industries. The branch is run by a democratically elected committee of workers who all make Unscripted programmes, and who volunteer their time to make our industry a better place to work.
Find out more about the branches of BECTU>>
Who are the committee?
Your committee is elected annually by you at the UTVU AGM in September. Their purpose is to discuss and take action on issues in Unscripted TV genres. They meet regularly to continuously work on the most pressing issues facing our industry, as well as building a base of members to achieve industry recognition as a Union. Click here to meet your committe.
What is the committee doing for me?
We continuously build awareness of the benefit of being a member of UTVU. We debate current issues in the industry and how to improve them. We come up with new ideas that will benefit everyone who works in the Unscripted genres such as improved working rates and better representation.
Can I get involved?
Absolutely. We the committee are all volunteers, and we are always looking for additional help, so if you think that’s you, let us know below.
You can also attend the UTVU AGM (held annually) to be elected into a committee role. Committee role vacancies do occasionally open up during the year, so if you would like be on the committee then please don’t wait and contact us! You can remain anonymous too.
We also hold a General Meeting about 6 months after each AGM to keep you updated on the work we are doing on your behalf.
Do I need to be a committee member to contribute to the Branch?
No. You can contact us at any time with ideas, suggestions or concerns about the Unscripted genres in TV. If enough people speak up about something then we will take action on it.
Do employers have to negotiate with Bectu?
Not quite yet – we need to be able to prove that we have 50% of the workforce at a company supporting ‘Union Recognition’ to do this. This is where you come in… By joining the BECTU you take the UTVU to be one step closer to legal recognition in your workplace. This means you can have a say on working hours, conditions and all sorts of other things.
Why not help a colleague join? Maybe share our website with them to help them make their own decision on if a Union is for them.
For around £0.30 a day it has to be worth being protected?
