97% oppose BBC Operations plans
Overwhelmingly BBC London studios and OBs members are opposed to proposed compulsory redundancies and conditions changes.
Members are also prepared to be balloted for industrial action to oppose management plans for department.
The 97% majority is revealed in the results of a recent consultative ballot of members run after BBC London Operations management tabled a wide ranging package in early July which includes:
- A 45% staff cut in London Studios and OBs operational and engineering areas by compulsory redundancies.
- Reducing conditions of service across the department including withdrawing from local agreements which provide working time protection and compensation.
- Greater use of freelance effort.
- Restructuring including the replacement of some engineering staff with a new unqualified contract category.
Management are still proposing to select staff for redundancy. However, it has been agreed to carry out a survey to ascertain numbers that may prefer taking redundancy - this has been agreed without prejudice to either the union or management side.
In the consultative ballot 97% of those responding are opposed to the proposed compulsory redundancies and changes in conditions of service, with 90% prepared to be balloted for industrial action against management redundancy plans.
London Operations includes BBC television studios at Television Centre, London and Manchester radio and television OBs (Outside Broadcasts), London Post Production and Graphic Design along with Visual Effects and Costume Store.