As thousands of journalists are preparing for a 24-hour strike tomorrow (July 15) to fight compulsory redundancies being imposed by BBC management the NUJ have called for re-examination of News Corp’s involvement in the matter.
Strike Information
Tomorrow sees the first BBC national strike over the issue of compulsory redundancies by management in order to meet targets for cuts arising from the freezing of the licence fee which was imposed last year by the Government.
Although the compulsory redundancies seem to be presently planned for the London region, NUJ members across the BBC were balloted and elected to support their colleagues by going on strike.
At BBC Bristol picketing will commence from 6.00am at both entrances; Whiteladies Road and Belgrave Road. All members can attend to offer their support for the picketing and attending for even a limited time would be much appreciated.
If members cannot get along to the rallies and picket lines they can still support striking colleagues by making a donation to the NUJ’s hardship funds. Donating is simple online by clicking the Donate button on the right side of the NUJ website home page or by sending a cheque payable to the NUJ, with an accompanying note making clear it is for the hardship fund.
News Corp Involvement?
In light of recent revelations about the conduct of News International and its relationship with politicians, the NUJ are also calling for re-examination of the BBC Licence fee settlement on the grounds that the Government dealings with the BBC may have been influenced by Rupert Murdoch and his companies. The government-imposed BBC licence fee deal certainly reflects the policies and is undoubtedly in the interests of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation and its desire to stifle public service broadcasting.
Strike action has been made necessary as the BBC is refusing to properly negotiate and look at any of the alternative solutions yet at this stage.
