Film Unions Fight Grueling Hours at Cannes

Entertainment industry unions from Britain and France have joined forces to protest poor working conditions in film production. At the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the unions issued a joint statement addressing a culture that has normalized excessive working hours, impacting worker health and well-being. The campaign specifically targets the widespread practice of film and TV professionals being pressured to disregard their legal entitlement to rest periods between shifts.

This initiative, part of Bectu's 'Broken Turnaround' campaign, seeks to end this dangerous practice. Unions argue that unrealistic production timelines create intense pressure on workers. A series of posters and social media visuals at Cannes, featuring the slogan 'You Can(nes) say no to long hours,' aim to raise awareness. Union leaders emphasize that the industry's achievements are built on the dedication of workers pushed to their limits, and that ending this practice is crucial for a sustainable future with good careers for everyone.