Unions demand pay parity with management

BECTU and its fellow BBC unions are demanding the same pay increases for staff as those enjoyed by top management over the last year.

The BBC annual report, issued today, reveals that last year Director General John Birt received a nine per cent pay increase and the Executive Board of Management were paid an average increase in excess of seven per cent.

By contrast, staff had to fight for a mere 2.8% increase and this year the BBC has made a 'final' offer of four per cent. The unions have initiated a consultative ballot which closes on 17 August and are recommending that members reject the BBC's offer and vote in favour of commencing a ballot for industrial action in support of their claim for a nine per cent increase.

The unions argue that the BBC's offer was below inflation at the time of negotiations; that average wage settlements are running at 5.2%; the BBC's licence fee increased by 6.6%; and that the BBC had achieved £14-million more in efficiency savings than projected.

BECTU Broadcasting supervisory official Gerry Morrissey commented: "It is hypocritical of the senior management to ask their staff to show restraint when they themselves are emulating the fat cats of private industry with their inflation-busting increases."

Issued by BECTU Press Office
Further information: Gerry Morrissey on 0171 437 8506