BBC disruption as staff take part in one-day strike

BBC television and radio face disruption today as members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) walk out in a 24-hour strike.

Members voted in favour of industrial action last month because a number of World Service journalists are facing compulsory redundancy.

A BBC spokesman said the corporation was “disappointed” by the action.

NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Union representatives have tried hard to resolve this serious dispute through negotiation. But BBC senior management has shown no real interest in negotiations. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that BBC management wants thousands of its journalists to go on strike rather than settle the dispute.”

The BBC said it would continue with its efforts to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies.

“Industrial action will not alter the fact that the BBC is faced with a number of potential compulsory redundancies, following significant cuts to the central Government grants that support the World Service and BBC Monitoring,” the spokesman said.

Another 24-hour strike is planned for Friday 29th July.