Art technicians survey hopes to address low pay

Art technicians in the UK are being asked to take part in a survey as part of union plans to establish recommended rates of pay.

The online survey by Bectu is open to all art technicians, art handlers, fabricators, framers and studio assistants working in the UK.

Bectu intends to use the findings as the basis for pay guidance for the sector.

It will establish minimum ‘professional, general and managerial rates’ to help art technicians negotiate their pay.

The union said that due to a lack of standardisation in the sector, rates of pay have traditionally been very low, with pay discrepancies depending on venues and location.

It added that technicians frequently receive no compensation for overtime.

Joint Branch Chair of Bectu’s art technicians branch, Phill Wilson-Perkin, said: “Low wages, irregular work and lack of security will lead to a decline in diversity within the art handling industry.

“It’s hard to see how individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds can make ends meet, considering the instability and inadequate rates of pay.”