UNI Global Union affiliates from the UK and France have joined forces to highlight dangerously long working hours in the global film industry.
In a statement timed to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival, the six unions say production companies have normalized long working days and that this culture of long hours has serious consequences for workers’ health, safety and overall wellbeing.
“While Cannes is synonymous with glamour and red-carpet premieres, the reality for many of the workers who are critical to the success of the productions is far less visible,” says the joint statement. “We are urging industry leaders and audiences alike to recognize the workforce behind the scenes – many of whom work long hours under intense pressure to deliver the films showcased at Cannes.”