NUJ warns BBC it faces strike vote over pensions

The BBC will face co-ordinated strike action by five unions unless it drops proposed changes to the staff pension scheme, the NUJ warned today.
Union reps for BBC staff today gave the Corporation's managers notice that unless they gave a guarantee by 21 July that the value of pensions already earned would be protected, and plans to force through changes to the staff pension scheme are dropped, BBC staff would be balloted for strike action.
The threat comes after the BBC announced plans to cap pensionable pay at 1% from April 2011 and revalue pensions at a lower level, effectively devaluing pensions already earned. The BBC has also said in future those promoted would not be able to count their full pay rise towards their pension.
NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said:"This is nothing short of a pensions' robbery which has provoked unprecedented anger and resentment amongst staff across the BBC. While managers can look forward to gold-plated pensions, thousands of BBC staff will be left significantly worse off in retirement.
"The BBC has broken its promises to staff and is undermining the value of people's pensions. The BBC must withdraw these proposals or face the prospect of widespread strike action and industrial unrest over the coming months."