Posted: Thursday 2 September 2010
Strikes at the Beeb
It looks as though not even the power of the BBC is sufficient to avert strike action following the announcement yesterday that its staff have voted by over 9/1 in favour of strike action.
According to reports, the dispute stems from a row over pensions. Members of the National Union of Journalists, Unite and Bectu may strike in protest against the BBC’s proposed changes to its staff pension scheme. In an attempt to overcome a pension deficit of around £1.5 billion, the BBC plans to cap pensionable pay at 1% from April 2011 and revalue pensions at a lesser rate, potentially impacting upon pensions already earned.
The unions have not scheduled specific dates as yet.
With the dispute threatening coverage of the Ryder Cup and the Proms, golfing fanatics and classical music fans alike will have to watch with bated breath to see whether resolution attempts over the next fortnight are enough to avert the strike.
