BBC Journalists Begin Strike Action

BBC journalists have begun strike action over job losses and redundancies.

Journalists at BBC Scotland have begun a work-to-rule, according to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The offices affected will be Glasgow, Edinburgh - including the Scottish parliament - and Selkirk in the Borders.

Journalists are said to be angered over job losses as part of the BBC’s Delivering Quality First cuts programme.

Over 2,000 job losses are planned across the corporation.

Paul Holleran, NUJ Scottish organiser, said: "A major concern is the loss of specialist reporters and correspondents. This will result in a serious dumbing down of output. In the lead up to the independence referendum we need experts in education, business and politics -- three areas where cuts are being made. Scotland needs skilled, experienced reporters asking searching questions on the economic, cultural and political implications of independence or retaining the status quo.

"It will also have a knock-on effect on the quality coverage of the Commonwealth Games, which while not as grand in scale as the Olympics, nevertheless should be offering a wonderful chance for BBC Scotland to showcase the range of skills and creativity which exists among broadcasting staff north of the border. We expect the work to rule to have an immediate impact as staff levels are already too low."

The NUJ says it is taking BBC Scotland to task for its "failure to redeploy the staff under risk, despite an agreement with management."

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: "The BBC should withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies in Scotland and take steps to redeploy staff at risk. Journalists will stand in solidarity with colleagues who risk losing their jobs and members have a clear mandate to take action to stop compulsory redundancies. Management must get round the table and explain why they are not using an agreed redeployment system – there is no excuse for not finding roles for the numbers involved."

(IT)