If he started at 7pm that's only 8 hours - reasonable days work. I'm sure they get breaks.

I think Leanne got confused over the time for breaks within working hours. Although most cameramen I know dont even take them!

I know that it is definately not 20 minute stints for the fact I have seen so many shows with cameramen doing much more than that (think The Big Breakfast). Also it would be pointless changing after 20 minutes with a new set of camera operators on a 30 minute live show (erm, I suppose think Gloria Hunniford's open house or the ex Light/Late Lunches on Channel 4.

Leanne, is it possible to quote the union (there are only a few in Broadcasting) or say who told you the information? Would clear up a lot of mess here in the forum!

John.

Right, I've had a quick recce on the net and found this:

quote:

"Dave Lawson, GTC Education Officer, explains the pros and cons, as well as how to start a career in camerawork .

Do you want to work with the stars and visit all those weird and wonderful places you‘ve only read about?
Do you want to work out in all weathers without shelter or breaks, or hang around waiting for something to happen for hours on end?
Do you want a weekend off? "

it is taken from the Guild of Television Cameramen (GTC) website (not sure if I'm allowed to post the URL). NOTE: it is not a trade union

As far as I am aware there are jobs which are exempt from the WTD. Mine being one of them. Or am I being F***** over?!! LOL

there are quite a few exceptions to the WTD, specifically those types of roles where you'd be expected to exceed it

http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/work_time_regs/exsectors.htm

Thanks Platelet.

Now I know why some of us have to work long night shifts, are entitled to no breaks, nor 11 hours between shifts!!!
And that is for working with matters of life and death too!

What is it that you do Babycatcher? Or is THAT your occupation! (I can't see them mentioned in the WTR !)

Jack

Is this still an amateur sport or is there a professional circuit??

I assume you're a junior doctor?

But you should still undertstand WHY you're exempt.

Jack

No not a Junior Doctor!! They are worse off than we are. I have never understood why they have to work such long hours.


Yes babycatching is my occupation (midwife) and it comes under nursing for the purposes of the WTD because of shift patterns and continuity of care.
We are not totally exempt, only on certain points 6(1,2 and 7) and so forth.
But I think not being entitled to breaks ( I work 8.9 hour shifts)and an 11 hour period of rest between shifts can be dangerous for anyone, never mind if you are dealing with 2 peoples lives at the same time, and medical emergencies, as we often do.

We get breaks fitted in depending on the workload of that shift and staffing levels, so someone can cover you. But apparently it is not an entitlement by law.

Yep, I think you're winning the worst job comp so far!.
You're kind of stuck with your contract, and any normal civil remedies: you can always sue your employer when you have a nervous breakdown !!!!!!!!!!


Jack

disclaimer: jack is drunk; always see a qualified person before attempting to sue anyone.

Fr Jack!!!

I was wondering where you were! Missed you.

No don't get me wrong. My job is actually the best!!!
just so busy sometimes you can't catch your breath. Most of what I say is tongue in cheek

Helllo darlin, yes I DO go away from time-to-time!! I think that I still show as being "logged into forum" though even when I'm not. (cos I don't log out properly??)

I found some case law for you: just for fun- look depressed and start saying "Johnstone and Bloomsbury Health Authority 1991". Hee hee. Basically it was ruled that a doctor who is required to work so much overtime that damage to his (mental) health is reasonably foreseeable, may sue his employer for breach of duty of care (in this case, Dr Johnstone had an 88 (strewth) hour week in his contract, but that didn't necesarily protect his emplyers). Walker -v- Northumberland CC(1995) is also a relevant case.

Perhaps you ciould sue if you bite your tongue off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


jack

Hmm yes I do that. Log on and then wander off. It turns itself off after 2 hours. And I pay £5 pm so I want my moneys worth.

I have now joined you in a drink (or few. I am on holiday after all) so all that legal stuff is a bit wasted on me at the moment!

88 hours a week!!! When on earth did the poor guy sleep I wonder. Good grief!

Holiday??? Yes, I had one of those once. God, some people have it easy !!!!! You pay £5 per MINUTE ??? !!! God: I pay £15 PER MONTH for unlimited. I'll try and keep future posts brief.

to your good health (clink)

Jack
xxxxxx

Did I say minute!! That drinks good stuff! I can spout a lot of crap, even more so than usual.

You can keep your posts as long as you like. I don't pay any phone charges either. used to be totally free, but ntl need the money

yes, businesses can be really unreasonable like that!!

J
xxx