BBC journalists vote ‘overwhelmingly’ to stage strikes

BBC journalists have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to sabotage the corporation’s budget day coverage with a series of strikes over changes to local radio.

Yesterday it was revealed that 83 per of National Union of Journalists members who were balloted backed taking the action, in what is being billed as the biggest BBC strike in 13 years.

Later in the day it was revealed there would be a 24-hour strike on March 15, starting at 11am, the same day as the Spring budget.

The NUJ Is also threatening to target coverage of the Coronation, the Eurovision Song Contest and local elections.

The moves come after BBC revealed it wants local radio stations share more content and broadcast less programming unique to their areas.

Yesterday it was revealed that 83 per of National Union of Journalists members who were balloted backed taking the action. Stock image: BBC Yorkshire Studios

It is understood the decision could see in the region of 1,000 staff from its local services taking the action. This would hit local radio and regional TV services and local online services.

Sources claim it could potentially see some programmes or services taken off air.

There will also be a ‘work to rule’ policy by members following the first strike.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) previously said the local radio changes would lead to a loss of posts and journalists having to re-apply for their own jobs.

The union said yesterday its members working for BBC England had backed industrial action over the proposals, with 83 per cent backing strikes, and 92 per cent voting in support of action short of a strike, with a 69 per cent turnout rate. A total of 1,000 members took part in the ballot.

The NUJ said the dispute was not over pay but over how resources were ‘best used to serve audiences’.

In a series of tweets, the union said: ‘But the door remains open for the BBC to engage in constructive discussions. We believe members can deliver digital content and also #KeepBBCLocalRadioLocal.

‘Although Local Radio is our main focus, members remain concerned about terms and conditions under the Digital First proposals.

‘Our members have delivered a huge mandate for action. The turnout for the ballot was 69% of members eligible to vote – ie : NUJ members working within BBC Local.’ The last major BBC strike took place in 2010, which saw a 48-hour strike in a dispute over pensions.

BBC management have proposed ‘drastic cuts’ to local radio programming (pictured: New Broadcasting House in central London)

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: ‘This emphatic result demonstrates the strength of feeling amongst BBC members and their determination not to stand by and see local radio output dismantled.

‘I would urge the BBC to take stock and meaningfully engage so that we can come to a solution that acknowledges the vital role that quality, relevant and genuinely local news plays in our public service broadcaster.

‘The BBC’s focus on digital content and delivery shouldn’t be at the expense of local news and journalism.’