Ballots back strike action against BBC cuts

Union members in the BBC have voted for industrial action in protest against plans for cuts and privatisation.
In a series of ballots which closed today (May 11), Bectu claimed voters supported strike action by majorities as large as eight to one at some locations.
Separate ballots among NUJ and Amicus members at the BBC also resulted in large votes for industrial action against Director-General Mark Thompson's plans for change.
83.9% of NUJ members voted to strike in the ballot, and NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: "This result is a reflection of the huge anger at the scale and impact of Mark Thompson's cuts. The cuts package is badly thought out, doesn't add up, will do irreparable damage to quality and standards and has been soundly rejected by staff.
"BBC staff have shown that if Mark Thompson and senior management are not prepared to protect the future of the BBC, they are. Now is the time for the BBC to stop lecturing staff and start listening to their concerns".
Bectu's lead BBC official, Luke Crawley, said: "This is a clear signal to Mark Thompson that he is going too far, too fast, in his plans for changes. We've got an overwhelming mandate for strike action, proving that the Director General is badly out of touch with his staff."
Any action needs to take place within four weeks of the ballot result being announced, for legal reasons, and union members have 12 weeks' protection against any disciplinary threat from the BBC once strike action begins.
(GB)