Journalists' Union Hits BBC With Strike In Pension Row

Strike

The BBC has been hit with a 48-hour strike by unions in a dispute with the U.K. national broadcaster over pensions.  The NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS called the strike at midnight this morning after rejecting what the BBC called its "final offer."

A statement from the NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS said, "The BBC have proposed ripping up the current pension arrangements and replacing them with a pension scheme that will see staff paying more in contributions and working longer and getting less in retirement.  As a result, NUJ members have been left with no choice but to strike to defend their financial futures."

Among the high-profile radio shows canceled by the labor dispute were BBC RADIO 4's "TODAY," most of Talk BBC RADIO 5 LIVE's regular live talk shows; prerecorded programming is being inserted in place of the usual talk programming on RADIO 4 and 5 LIVE.  Picket lines have appeared at the networks' facilities nationwide.  TV shows were also affected, although the BBC NEWS 24 channel remained on the air.

Another 48-hour strike has been scheduled for NOVEMBER 15-16.

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