We are a branch of BECTU, the Broadcasting, Entertainment Communications, and Theatre Union. We represent Professional Sound, Lighting and Video Engineers working in and around Live Events in London venues. Our union is led by its members and represented by the Branch Committee. We are also part of the Bectu Live Events Network Subdivision within the Bectu Art & Entertainment Division.
Our branch was created in 2017 after some of us had started meeting and sharing our working experience and the issues we encountered. We then unanimously decided that forming a union was the best way to protect our rights as workers and to start building a community. LUVT is the first ever UK union branch exclusively dedicated to venue technicians and the pilot branch of Bectu Live Events Network.
Aims:
– fair rates of pay for technical staff throughout London’s venues
– fair terms & conditions (cancellation fee, breaks, minimum call, etc.)
– good health and safety practices across the venues
– negotiation of working agreements with venues
– improvement of equality, inclusivity and diversity in venues
– more professional development opportunities for members through training and networking
Events and Training:
Through the efforts of our Branch members we have the opportunity to attend industry recognised training (Avolites, Capture, JET 7909, and more) at discounted rates, as well as webinars on tax for freelancers, business advice, mental health, skills-sharing and retraining. Our reps organise regular Women in Live Events panels, networking events and shadowing opportunities for new entrants.
Future Goals:
We keep fighting for better representation and working conditions for our members and we want to collaborate with venues to make our industry a fairer and more equal working environment. We are as strong as our members and we welcome anyone that works in London’s venues to join us and contribute with ideas and feedback.
Members and non-members we would like to hear from you! Send us an e-mail to luvtechnicians@gmail.com to get the latest updates about our campaigns, actions and meetings.
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