Trade Unions & Associations

Task 2

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

There are also associations you can join such as APHAMA and NASMAH

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.