Yes, we need to find a fair balance. I worked on a film project...

Yes, we need to find a fair balance.

I worked on a film project in Australia with a US studio executive overseeing the schedule. We were not union covered. At a critical stage of the project we needed to work overtime to meet deliverables. The executive drew a 24-hour clock with deadlines marked out. I worked 24-hours to meet the deadlines, with no extra pay – just the standard weekly amount. The project was completed in the US at a union studio. The same executive drew a 12-hour clock because if we went over 12-hours the US staff were paid double time. The experience taught me that without unions, people are exploited. I left a great career due to the exploitation. It also reduces the capacity of organisations when good people leave – and that can cause skills shortages and excessive wages. Ultimately, we need fair pay for fair work. If exploitation didn't exist, workers wouldn't need protection.