Menu
27/05/2005
BBC dispute on hold as unions consider offer
A planned 48-hour stoppage at the BBC has been called off while unions consult members on a new peace offer.
The offer was tabled by the BBC management during 20 hours of talks hosted by government conciliation service ACAS on Thursday 26th May.
Included in the offer are: a one year moratorium on compulsory redundancies; a framework for discussions which might ‘mitigate’ job cuts in 2006 and 2007; an assurance that by June 10 staff in BBC Broadcast will have clear guarantees from the company’s would-be new owners that terms, conditions, and pension rights, would be protected if the company is sold off and the postponement for at least two years of plans to privatise BBC Resources, including its Outside Broadcast business unit.
This offer was conditional on the tree unions involved suspending strike action on 31st May and 1st June.
The planned stoppage has been called off and union representatives from BECTU, NUJ, and Amicus plan to meet in London on Tuesday 31st May to consider the offer, which will be presented by negotiators without any recommendation. If the meeting approves the offer, a full ballot of the three unions’ members at the BBC is likely to follow. However, rejection of the offer would lead to the announcement of further dates for industrial action to continue a campaign of stoppages that began with a one-day strike on 23rd May.
A statement made by the BBC said: “The joint unions are not recommending acceptance of these proposals, however in order for proper consideration, and as a gesture of goodwill, the planned strikes on 31st May and 1st June have been suspended.”
Union negotiators made little comment about the offer as they left ACAS in the early hours on 27th May, emphasising that any decision on running ballots of members would be made by representatives on 31st May.
(CD/SP)
The offer was tabled by the BBC management during 20 hours of talks hosted by government conciliation service ACAS on Thursday 26th May.
Included in the offer are: a one year moratorium on compulsory redundancies; a framework for discussions which might ‘mitigate’ job cuts in 2006 and 2007; an assurance that by June 10 staff in BBC Broadcast will have clear guarantees from the company’s would-be new owners that terms, conditions, and pension rights, would be protected if the company is sold off and the postponement for at least two years of plans to privatise BBC Resources, including its Outside Broadcast business unit.
This offer was conditional on the tree unions involved suspending strike action on 31st May and 1st June.
The planned stoppage has been called off and union representatives from BECTU, NUJ, and Amicus plan to meet in London on Tuesday 31st May to consider the offer, which will be presented by negotiators without any recommendation. If the meeting approves the offer, a full ballot of the three unions’ members at the BBC is likely to follow. However, rejection of the offer would lead to the announcement of further dates for industrial action to continue a campaign of stoppages that began with a one-day strike on 23rd May.
A statement made by the BBC said: “The joint unions are not recommending acceptance of these proposals, however in order for proper consideration, and as a gesture of goodwill, the planned strikes on 31st May and 1st June have been suspended.”
Union negotiators made little comment about the offer as they left ACAS in the early hours on 27th May, emphasising that any decision on running ballots of members would be made by representatives on 31st May.
(CD/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 June 2005
BBC unions call for more talks
BBC Unions have called on Director-General Mark Thompson to convene a further meeting with officials on an ACAS peace plan.
BBC unions call for more talks
BBC Unions have called on Director-General Mark Thompson to convene a further meeting with officials on an ACAS peace plan.
21 August 2008
Bank Holiday Airport Strikes Called Off
A series of strikes by baggage handlers at Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester airports have been called off . The planned cessation of ground staff operations was halted after talks between the GMB and Unite Unions and employers Swissport. Strikes at Gatwick and Stanstead, both operated by Ferrovial's BAA, were planned for August 25 and 29.
Bank Holiday Airport Strikes Called Off
A series of strikes by baggage handlers at Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester airports have been called off . The planned cessation of ground staff operations was halted after talks between the GMB and Unite Unions and employers Swissport. Strikes at Gatwick and Stanstead, both operated by Ferrovial's BAA, were planned for August 25 and 29.
12 May 2005
Four days of strike action to hit BBC
Broadcasting unions have named May 23 as the first of four days of strike action against cuts and privatisation at the BBC. Representatives of Bectu, the NUJ and Amicus, meeting in London on the day after a decisive vote for industrial action by members, called for a 24-hour stoppage, from midnight to midnight.
Four days of strike action to hit BBC
Broadcasting unions have named May 23 as the first of four days of strike action against cuts and privatisation at the BBC. Representatives of Bectu, the NUJ and Amicus, meeting in London on the day after a decisive vote for industrial action by members, called for a 24-hour stoppage, from midnight to midnight.
27 November 2003
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
02 July 2010
Strike Action Looms As BBC Pay Deal Falters
Last-ditch efforts are being made to avoid a potentially damaging strike taking place at the BBC over failed pay negotiations. The broadcast union BECTU has already warned that it believes a strike ballot is likely in response to the BBC's latest offer on pay tabled at talks held at the end of June.
Strike Action Looms As BBC Pay Deal Falters
Last-ditch efforts are being made to avoid a potentially damaging strike taking place at the BBC over failed pay negotiations. The broadcast union BECTU has already warned that it believes a strike ballot is likely in response to the BBC's latest offer on pay tabled at talks held at the end of June.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
