NUJ votes for industrial action over cuts at BBC Radio Foyle
Journalists in Northern Ireland have voted for industrial action over job losses and changes of programming at Radio Foyle.
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said:
“Members have made their opposition to the BBC’s ill-thought plans clear. With a strong mandate for industrial action, we will continue our engagement with members across BBC Northern Ireland on next steps. There’s still time for BBC management to return to negotiations with a fair proposal that removes the threat to journalists’ jobs and reconsiders the approach adopted as part of the Digital First strategy.”
The BBC had wanted to axe the station’s two-hour breakfast programme, but members believe the compromise of a half-hour programme, imposed by the management, is not enough and listeners in Derry will be short-changed in the service they receive.
In an earlier statement of no confidence in the management, NUJ BBC Foyle chapel said: “There has been little in the way of guidance from senior BBC management over what the exact remit of this new 30-minute programme will be. There has been no guidance on what additional duties will be thrust on staff to ensure they fulfil the digital strategy. There has been no training provided. Members have been given no time to prepare for a successful launch. The chapel feels that its members, and BBC licence fee holders, have been failed by the lack of clarity, communication and thought given to this process in recent months.”
The journalists have won a huge amount of support from the public and local community for the #SaveBBCRadioFoyle campaign.
The union is now discussing the form of industrial action and dates for a strike.