All workers
in the UK are entitled to join a trade union, being a part of a Trade
union can really help you as a freelancer. http://www.tuc.org.uk/join-union
a
trade union is an organized association of members independent of any
employer. Its aim is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the
workplace. for a regular subscription cost your Trade
union can help you with a number of things for example negotiating better
pay, better working conditions, provide training for new skills, provide
members with legal and financial advice.
The Trades
Union Congress (TUC) to which the majority of UK trade unions are
affiliated provides an information service which directs workers interested in
union membership to the most appropriate trade union for their role/sector.
There
are many trade unions you can join as a small business or freelancer You can
use a trade union finder available here to
find unions appropriate for you however if you are a make-up artist there are
also a few more specific unions, the most well known is BECTU , the
Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union.
BECTU
Is a trade union formed in 1991 for non-performance members of
the media and entertainment industry this literally covers just about
everything involved in this industry; camera, lighting, producer,
director, hair and make-up, editor, researcher, writer, broadcast technician,
engineer, lawyer, production assistant, usher, stagehand, box office, manager,
floor manager
It
represents staff and sometimes freelancers working for companies including
BBC, ITV, C4, Scottish TV, Ulster TV, regional theatres, West End theatres, the
National Theatre, Royal Opera House, RSC, ENO, Virgin Media, and Odeon cinemas.
BECTU
services cover collective and individual support in the workplace, advice
on legal matters and tax issues, insurance, copyright, script
registration and debt chasing. The union also provides a range of training
opportunities at low-cost or in some cases free of charge to enhance employment
prospects. there is also a stakeholder pension available to freelance
members.
Surely
though when your working on a big film there would be no need to be part of a
union? surely you wouldn't be treated unfairly then.....wrong
During
the filming of Les Misérables between March and May 2012, 100
professionals joined a trade union due to the conditions on the set, Costume,
hair and make-up were regularly made to work extra hours when shooting overran,
sometimes into days off and they weren't being paid for it.As this
was breaking their 5 day contract, BECTU sent in officials to visit the set and
negotiate with the producers to get extra pay.
You
can read the full story here
Both
of these bodies were created to set the standard in the hair and
make-up industry and promote the profile of hair and make-up professionals
in the industry.
To
become a member you must adhere to their high standards of practice,
memberships provide you with a support, and training business advice and
they also add you to their directories for people searching for make-up
artists.
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