NUJ urges members at BBC to back action call

An NUJ ballot for BBC journalists on industrial action, which could include a strike, in protest at planned cuts to jobs and services has started today.

The ballot is the union's response to the BBC’s Delivering Quality First proposals which include axing thousands of jobs at the corporation as it plans to cut its budget by 20 per cent over the next five years.

The NUJ claims the BBC has refused to wait until the outcome of the BBC Trust’s public consultation on programme cuts before beginning the process for making staff redundant; refused to lift the dates they intend to impose changes to new joiners’ terms and conditions; and refused to initiate a voluntary redundancy scheme across the BBC.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “We are urging all NUJ members at the BBC to vote yes for action. Staff are fighting not only for their jobs, but for the BBC’s very future as broadcaster and world class public service.

"The launch of the ballot shows our determination to fight for a quality BBC and refuse to accept the wholesale destruction of the world’s most respected broadcasting corporation.”

Bectu and Unite are also urging their members at the BBC to vote in favour of action.