United for Fair Hours: A Call for Change in the Entertainment World

Transatlantic Alliance Against Exhaustion: British and French Unions Unite

At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2026, a significant joint declaration was made by British and French trade unions representing entertainment professionals. This alliance, spearheaded by the UK's Bectu (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union) and its French counterparts, aims to confront the deeply ingrained issue of excessive work durations prevalent in the film and television industry. Their collective statement underscores a shared concern that the current working environment has normalized unduly long shifts, leading to considerable negative effects on the physical and mental health of employees.

The "Broken Turnaround" Campaign: Demanding Respect for Rest Periods

Central to this joint initiative is Bectu's ongoing "Broken Turnaround" campaign. This movement directly targets the widespread practice within film and TV production where workers are frequently compelled to disregard the statutory minimum rest periods between shifts. Although employees legally possess the right to decline such demands, the unions report that this right is often undermined by intense pressure from productions facing tight deadlines. This pervasive culture effectively forces many to work beyond reasonable limits without adequate, legally mandated breaks, jeopardizing their well-being.

Cannes as a Platform for Advocacy: "You Can(nes) Say No"

Leveraging the international spotlight of the Cannes Film Festival, the campaign has launched a compelling public awareness drive. This includes a series of visually striking posters and a strong social media presence featuring the slogan, "You Can(nes) say no to long hours." This strategic timing at such a high-profile event is designed to maximize visibility and galvanize support for their cause, emphasizing that even amidst the glamour of cinematic achievement, fundamental worker rights must be upheld.

A Plea for Sustainable Industry Practices: Prioritizing Worker Well-being

Spencer MacDonald, National Secretary of Bectu, articulated the unions' stance, acknowledging the cinematic accomplishments celebrated at Cannes but stressing that these achievements often come at a heavy human cost. He highlighted that the demanding production schedules push thousands of dedicated workers to their physical and mental limits. MacDonald emphasized that for the entertainment industry to be truly sustainable, providing viable career paths across all roles and crafts, it is imperative to eradicate these hazardous and exploitative working practices. The campaign ultimately advocates for a shift towards more humane and equitable labor standards, ensuring the long-term health and stability of the workforce.