Bectu responds to CMA announcement regarding collusion by broadcasters on rates of pay for freelancers

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said in response to today’s announcement from the The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding collusion on rates of pay for freelancers:

“Freelancers are a critical resource for UK broadcasters and it’s completely unacceptable that a number have admitted to collusion on rates of pay. Today’s announcement from the CMA is a damning indictment of the behaviour of some broadcasters. It must be stressed how this behaviour directly impacts the freelancers on which broadcasters rely.

“None of us would be able to watch the sports we love on TV without the dedicated freelancers working hard behind the scenes. They must be compensated fairly for their time and skills. This would best be achieved via collective agreements, an approach the CMA has indicated it would also support.

“It’s entirely right that the broadcasters involved have been fined, but they should also consider how to regain the trust of their freelance workforce who work in sport. Bectu research indicates that a large number of freelancers working in outside broadcasting are unhappy with their working conditions and work/life balance.

“Bectu calls on broadcasters and Pact to come to the table and negotiate with the union on freelancer rates to ensure fair and transparent pay, which would act as an important starting point to address some of these wider issues.”