What is a Union?
A (trade) union represents the interests of professionals at their workplace. Unions can negotiate with employers on issues such as pay, conditions, redundancy, and grievances. They can also provide support and advice to their members on various matters. In general, some of their responsibilities include:
Negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions
Discussing big changes like large scale redundancy
Discussing members’ concerns with employers
Going with members to disciplinary and grievance meetings
Trade unions can help you achieve better outcomes at work and beyond.
How does a Union work?
A trade union is legally recognised by the employer when enough members have joined and the employer has agreed to recognise the union, or when the union has won a vote of workers. When a union is recognised, it has the right to formally negotiate with managers about pay and other terms and conditions. This is called collective bargaining.
Trade unions, such as BECTU, tend to be organised into branches (the AVU), with elected volunteer committee members. All unions have a national committee and a general secretary (Joe Pavlo). Together they lead the union.
Why do I need to pay a subsciption?
An AVU membership is a way of supporting the collective bargaining power of professionals in visual effects and animation. By paying a union fee, you are contributing to the funds that the union uses to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. Union membership also gives you access to various services and resources, such as legal advice, training, and representation in case of disputes. You cannot be forced to join a union or discriminated against for not joining one. You can also cancel your union membership at any time by contacting your union directly.
See below for the new banded rates from 1 January 2023
Gross annual earnings / Monthly subscription / Annual subscription
(£12,501 – £15,000) / £10.00 per month / £120.00 per annum
(£15,001 – £17,500) / £11.25 per month / £135.00 per annum
(£17,501 – £20,000) / £13.33 per month / £159.96 per annum
(£20,001 – £22,500) / £16.66 per month / £199.92 per annum
(£22,501 – £25,000) / £18.75 per month / £225.00 per annum
(£25,001 – £27,500) / £20.83 per month / £249.96 per annum
(£27,501 – £30,000) / £22.92 per month / £275.04 per annum
(£30,001 – £32,500) / £25.00 per month / £300.00 per annum
(£32,501 – £35,000) / £27.08 per month / £324.96 per annum
(£35,001 and over) / £29.17 per month / £350.04 per annum
Who are BECTU?
BECTU is a Union who represents over 40,000 staff, contract and freelance workers in the media and entertainment industries. The Animation & Visual Effects Union is a branch of one of the many other branches of BECTU.
Find out more about the branches of BECTU>>
What successes has the AVU had recently?
The AVU created an Ethical VFX & Animation Charter that calls on companies to do better and offer incentives like fair pay, social justice & sustainability and other protections. The charter has the attention of many employers keen to join already.
The AVU helps BECTU members force DNEG to strike an improved pay deal with business partners after staff sticked together after the threat of a 20% pay cut.
The AVU has hosted and produced a platform for many events such as Women in Animation.
During the Halo VFX collapse, Bectu aided professionals who were affected when they were not paid their wages after the company went bankrupt.
How can I find out more?
If you’re interested in joining us or just have a few questions then feel free to get in touch via email (animvfxunion@gmail.com) or send us a message via our LinkedIn page.
Come along to our monthly social!
Fancy talking to the commitee directly? Come along to our monthly social on the first Wednesday of every month. They’re always at The Nellie Dean in Soho starting at 7PM. Take a look at our events page for details! It’s open to both members and non-members. First timers always welcome and made to feel at home on their first visit.
A little bonus tip… members get a drink on us when they arrive.