BBC Technology sale rejection

More than 92% of members responding in a ballot have rejected the proposed sale of BBC Technology.

BBCT and News IT members have also rejected the second offer from BBC/Siemens on terms and conditions, including pensions, by 53.2% in a consultative ballot.

Despite the result of the ballot, planned industrial action will not be taking place on 13/14 August due to legal complications.

BECTU is currently awaiting a response from Siemens to a letter sent last week, which includes a number of issues where the union believes their offer falls short of the existing BBC terms and conditions.

The meeting scheduled to discuss the issues, planned for 11 August, has been postponed at the Corporation's request.

BECTU is due to hear from Siemens in the next seven days, and depending on their response, the union will be considering what course of action to adopt, which could include a further industrial action ballot.

The overwhelming 92.9% rejection of the sale of BBCT is in line with the union's recommendation to its members.

It is expected this result will strengthen the union's position when representatives meet with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and detail members' concerns about the damage the sale of BBCT would cause the Corporation.