Ken Loach, a trade unionist for 60 years, has been suspended from his post as Bectu amid simmering internal tensions at the British Film and Television Union

EXCLUSIVE: British director Ken Loach has been suspended from his decision-making role at Bectu amid simmering internal tensions at Britain’s biggest film and television body.

Loach, who made films among other things Choose And The wind that shakes the barley, was expelled from Bectus Writers, Producers & Directors after 60 years of association with the union. Two other members were also suspended and disciplinary action was taken against six other members.

Those involved said they were disciplined over a technicality in the department’s oversight of the resignation of a representative who wrote a letter questioning the leadership of Mike Clancy, the boss of Bectus’ parent union, Prospect.

Prospect argued that the people involved had broken union rules and said there was evidence of bullying and discrimination. Loach and others who have been punished have strongly denied bullying and discrimination and claim Prospect has provided no evidence to support its claim.

After the union merged with Prospect in 2017, Bectu was in turmoil for years. Bectu supporters, including Loach, believe film and TV workers have not been well served by the merger, and others have complained of a clash of cultures.

Loach told Deadline that he had been treated unfairly and said the allegations against the Writers, Producers and Directors (WPD) committee were “baseless”. He accused Prospect of waging “war” on the industry after the union’s national board voted for disciplinary action.

“The [WPD] “The committee has felt harassed and hindered in its work for several years,” he said. “No union is perfect … but the people at Prospect have no idea what it’s like to be a freelancer in the film industry.”

Loach added that the disciplinary action was taken without transparency. He accused Prospect’s board of refusing to disclose information about the decision-making process, including the disciplinary decision and meeting minutes.

Prospect issued a strongly worded response in which it “categorically” rejected allegations of unfair treatment and said Loach had “failed to take the opportunity to fully engage with the investigation”. Loach said he felt as fully involved as possible with his latest film during the film festival The old oak tree.

Those affected by the disciplinary action have sought legal advice as they consider their options. The union said Loach and others could appeal the decision.

A spokesman for Prospect said: “By providing a partial account of the process he has [Loach] violates the confidentiality of an ongoing process. Confidentiality is necessary to protect those who were at the center of the problems that occurred.

“The investigation was carried out by the National Executive Committee following evidence that some representatives may have broken the rules. This included evidence of bullying and discrimination. The process was comprehensive and carried out in accordance with the union’s rules.

“The disciplinary sanctions reflected the findings of the investigation report and the National Executive Committee decided each case at its own discretion. Claiming that they are part of a “war” shows a lack of thought since the National Executive Committee reached its conclusions.

“The Bectu sector of Prospect is one of the fastest growing parts of the trade union movement. To suggest that Prospect does not understand the nature of freelancers is a deliberate distraction from the serious issues under investigation.”

Loach said he plans to step down from the WPD branch committee next year regardless of his two-year suspension. He said: “A breath of fresh air in the union is what we all need. “We have discussed these issues before, so first of all I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Gerry Morrissey, Bectu’s former general secretary, could not comment on the disciplinary proceedings but said he was saddened by Loach’s suspension.

Morrissey said the director raised the union’s profile and ensured the Picturehouse Cinemas dispute was covered on the front pages of national newspapers. “Even though people may not agree with all his political views, there is no doubt that he is loved by Bectu members,” he said.

Morrissey added that he also had disagreements with the WPD department during the 12 years he led Bectu. “We were very careful when it came to disciplining union representatives or members. We always found a way out by talking to each other,” he said. “It is sad that it was not achieved this time.”

Prospect said: “We are incredibly proud of Bectu’s track record of driving and delivering change for both freelancers and employees post-merger.” At Prospect, Bectu raised its profile and influence in the creative industries and played a leading role in its management. of the issues facing freelancers, including insecure work, cuts to arts funding and bullying and harassment.”