BBC strike could affect Diamond Jubilee coverage

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) are to ballot their members at the BBC for a strike which could affect Diamond Jubilee coverage in June.

The NUJ along with BECTU and Unite are balloting their members over pay conditions for staff at the BBC. Unions have come up against BBC management over pay and pensions in the past as the corporation looks to make savings following a freeze on the amount of money it receives from the licence free.

“Union members had already voiced frustration at the BBC’s refusal to negotiate on their 2012 pay claim. Only one meeting has been held in which management tabled a ‘final’ offer of 1 per cent, subject to a minimum increase of £400, to officials from BECTU, the NUJ and Unite. The BBC has now written directly to staff stating its intention to implement the pay award from June rather than August.” – Joint statement by the unions.

Balloting will begin at the end of April with a result due on 21st May. If the decision is to vote then the earliest they could strike would be beginning of June which will coincide with the big Diamond Jubilee weekend.