BECTU Ballots Challenge BBC Studios & Post

The independent trade union for those working in broadcasting and entertainment, is running two consultative ballots amongst members in BBC Studios and Post Production in a challenge to proposals to cut jobs and to move staff working in drama from Television Centre to Elstree.
The BBC is proposing ten compulsory redundancies amongst the group despite requests from BECTU that staff be permitted more time to explore redeployment opportunities. In this restructuring exercise 70 staff, whose posts have been targeted for closure, have been in talks about voluntary redundancy and redeployment into 26 new posts.
So far the BBC has resisted the union's calls for a review of the proposals. BECTU believes that the ten staff whose futures remain uncertain can continue to deliver a valuable service to the BBC. Instead the BBC plans to serve notice of compulsory redundancy on 29th June.
In separate talks, also prompted by the restructuring, 45 staff assigned to drama face a change of base from Television Centre to Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
The BBC proposes to cut travel allowances after nine months in a move which BECTU maintains would have "a significant detrimental impact on the majority of our members take home salaries."
In both cases members are being urged to reject the BBC's proposals. The ballots close at 12 noon on Friday 25th June.
BECTU officials are due to meet with BBC management on both issues under the avoidance of disputes procedures.
(BMcN/GK)