Scottish/Grampian TV strike averted
An eleventh hour deal has been struck between the broadcasting unions NUJ, BECTU and AEEU and Scottish Media Group to head off TV strikes over Christmas and New Year.
The settlement, which will guarantee no disruption of Christmas and New Year programmes at Scottish and Grampian Television, came after a vote for strike action by members of all three unions working at the two TV stations.
Plans for a programme of compulsory redundancies at Scottish and Grampian had been disputed by the unions, and in discussions, the issue of job security became linked with this year's pay claim for an 11% increase.
Under the peace formula, agreed in Glasgow on December 22nd, industrial action was called off and a pay offer of 3% was accepted by unions, in return for the withdrawal of six impending compulsory redundancies, and a promise from management that there would be a moratorium on future redundancies throughout 1999.
Both sides of the discussions have also agreed to set up a working party, which will look at pay structures, overtime arrangements, and working practices, with a view to avoiding future conflict.
Scottish Media's willingness to compromise was welcomed by the three unions involved in the dispute.
Gerry Morrissey, BECTU's lead negotiator said: "The offer deals with our greatest concern which is job security. Our members voted to take action in order to protect jobs and their actions have now been vindicated."
On behalf of NUJ members working at Scottish and Grampian, NUJ Organiser Paul Holleran said: "The company has put the basis of a settlement on the table. It is just a pity we had to return a vote in favour of strike action before the deal was struck. Hopefully we can now get down to negotiating changes without the level of conflict that we faced recently."
Billy Parker, AEEU Regional Officer, said: "My members are delighted that the threat of compulsory redundancies has been removed, especially those who had been targeted. This is a common sense deal which can only take industrial relations forward in our dealings with Scottish Media Group."
More information from BECTU's Press Office +44 (0)171 437 8506.
(Closed for Christmas December 25/26/27/28)