[UK TV Freelancers] Media Guardian and PACT; help us name names

Dear TV Freelancer,
 
On Monday, as you are probably aware, Media Guardian published a lead
article on exploitation in the TV industry, based on the TV Wrap petition
(now signed by over 1700 people). You can help us respond to this article.
The piece is now reproduced in full on our forum at:
 
http://p206.ezboard.com/fuktvfreelancersfrm4
<http://p206.ezboard.com/fuktvfreelancersfrm4.showMessage?topicID=305.topic>

 
One voice of denial was that of John McVay, chief executive of PACT, who
responded that little statistical or hard evidence exists to prove these
conditions, and that he has not been given names of any companies
perpetrating them.
 
We feel that if John would like names, then this is our chance to provide
them. Together with TV Wrap, we would like to create a submission to PACT
that ends denial once and for all. Thanks to the impetus created by the TV
Wrap petition, and the Guardian article, we now have a big opportunity to
bring about real change in our industry. But, as ever, we are dependent on
your help and information. 
 
We would like to hear from you if you have recently encountered the kinds of
conditions listed below, and can name the company responsible (whether PACT
member or not). We're aware that anonymity is very important to you, so we
won't pass any of your personal details on. But please make sure we can get
back in touch with you. That way we can discuss your experience, if
necessary, and make sure you're totally happy that what we are submitting
will not identify you. 
 
Please don't be afraid to come forward on this one. 1700 people have already
stuck their heads above the parapet by signing the TV Wrap petition. We will
respect your anonymity, but we need your help to build on the good work they
have begun.
 
We're especially keen to hear from you if you have witnessed any of the
following:
 
1. Working hours so long that they bring your hourly rate below the national
minimum wage of £4.85 an hour. (Simply divide your weekly rate by the number
of hours you work.)
 
2. Unpaid work experience which goes on for more than 4 weeks, with set
hours and more work benefit to the employer than training benefit to the
worker.
 
3. Abusively long hours, especially anything above 78 hours a week; or which
eat into the statutory minimum 11 hour rest break, or which don't give you
at least one day a week off
 
4. An agreed freelance rate which has been reduced to accommodate holiday
pay without your consent.
 
Simply click 'reply' to this message or email us at:
 
evidence@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
Alternatively contact the founders of the original TV Wrap petition via this
page:
 
http://www.tvwrap.org.uk/index.php?option=com_contact
<http://www.tvwrap.org.uk/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=66> &Itemid=66
 
Thanks again for your support,
 
www.tvfreelancers.org.uk

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