NUJ deal at BBC averts strike action over job cuts

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There used to be something here that couldn't be migrated - please contact us at info@journalism.co.uk if you'd like to see this updated! National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members at the BBC have reached an agreement with the corporation to end the threat of proposed strike action over job cuts.

NUJ, BECTU and Unite members have been balloting over strike action since late last year, after plans to cut 2,500 positions – with a total of 1,800 net redundancies – were announced under the BBC's Creative Futures proposal . The deal, which was first set out in January , addresses issues of compulsory redundancies and unpredictable working hours. It was approved by the three unions today by postal vote, rendering the national ballot for strike action null and void.

As part of the agreement the unions will now take part in working groups to discuss contractual terms and conditions for staff.

However, a news release from the NUJ stressed the need for sustained effort to avoid compulsory redundancies at the BBC.

At a meeting of the NUJ's BBC representatives, a motion passed said careful monitoring of staff workloads under the Creative Futures plan was also required.

"We note with alarm that workloads have increased substantially on many members, in some cases to an unacceptable level. This meeting reminds the BBC of Mark Thompson’s promise that workloads on remaining staff will not increase and calls on chapels to be vigilant in opposing any deterioration of programme quality and working practices," the motion stated.