Vote in the NUJ BBC ballot
The NUJ is balloting members at the BBC on strike action and action short of a strike over two critical issues: compulsory redundancies and rising workloads.
Members are encouraged to vote ‘yes’ to both options on the formal statutory ballot, which opened on 3 November and closes at 12pm on 24 November.
Every vote counts - so please make sure you use your voice and remind colleagues to do so too. To win the ballot, we need a minimum 50% turnout and a simple majority in favour of action.
This page contains all the useful information and context you’ll need as you receive your ballot paper.
Why should I vote for industrial action?
This is a very important moment for NUJ members across the BBC.
As you’ll know, the BBC has announced multiple cuts since April, when management published plans to slash 2,000 jobs as part of a 10% reduction to its total costs by the end of 2028-29. This includes a raft of compulsory redundancies, which will no doubt exacerbate the issue of rising workloads.
The NUJ has said:
“Incessant cuts at the BBC go beyond statistics, having a real-life impact on the passionate, talented journalists at the broadcaster. Previous redundancy rounds have led to the loss of experienced workers and left those who remain with unmanageable workloads and fewer opportunities, causing lasting damage to staff morale. It’s clear that this cannot continue.
"We are clear that industrial action is always the final resort; what we need now is for decision makers at the BBC to recognise the commitment of its staff, returning with an offer that addresses unacceptable compulsory redundancies and member concerns about the impact of these swingeing cuts.”
Even if your role has not been affected by the cuts to date, this matters to all of us. The BBC has been clear that it intends to pursue further cuts in the coming months.
Now is the time to stand together, support colleagues facing redundancy and make your voice heard. When your ballot arrives, please use your vote as soon as you can.
How can I vote?
New legislation means members in most parts of the UK can now vote either by mail or electronically (where possible).
We have engaged Civica as an independent scrutineer to run this ballot.
If we hold your personal email address, you will receive your ballot by email from Civica on Tuesday 3 November.
If we do not, you will receive a postal ballot. This should arrive a couple of days after 3 November. The ballot will have a QR code, giving you the choice to vote online or return the paper ballot by post.
In Northern Ireland, all balloting will be postal.
My details have changed, who should I contact?
Please remember to always keep the union updated about any changes to your home address, job title, personal email address or mobile/contact numbers. Please email [email protected] so we can keep our records up to date.
When should I vote?
Please vote as soon as you receive your ballot and do not leave it until the deadline. All ballots must be received by Civica by 12pm on 24 November. Members voting by post should also consider delivery time. Please vote ‘yes’ to both questions.
I haven’t received my ballot, what should I do?
If we have your personal email address, and you do not live in Northern Ireland, you should receive your electronic ballot from Civica on 3 November. If you do not, please check your junck and spam folders if you still cannot find itplease contact: [email protected]
If we do not have your personal email address, or you live in Northern Ireland, your ballot should arrive from 3 November. Allowing for the post, this may take a couple of days. If it has not arrived by 6 November, please contact: [email protected]
What does a vote for action mean in practice?
A successful ballot (a majority vote with at least 50% turnout) will give us a legal mandate to take industrial action on the issues of compulsory redundancies and rising workloads.
No decision on industrial action will be taken without full consultation with your reps and will only be used as a last resort. This ballot makes it possible for those decisions to be taken on behalf of members.
What solutions does the NUJ propose to prevent cuts?
The NUJ has urged BBC management to stop these devastating cuts and instead join the NUJ and fellow unions in demanding secure long-term funding through Charter Renewal. It has also called for urgent intervention from the UK government in the short term to relieve immediate pressure such as taking back full funding for the World Service and free licences for over-75s.
The union has made clear that the current situation follows decades of chronic underfunding with sustained real terms cuts to the licence fee. The NUJ’s Back The BBC campaign sets out funding and regulatory reforms - which have led to positive commitments from the UK Culture Secretary - to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s broadcaster. The union is actively pushing this campaign through various avenues, including the NUJ parliamentary group.
Members can get involved in many ways:
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Encourage other members to return their ballots
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Attend chapel meeting and support reps
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Become a rep if there is not already one in your area, of if existing rep(s) need support
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Sign our joint petition calling on the Prime Minister and Director General to back workers and back the BBC.
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Write to your MP, encouraging them to sign our Early Day Motion: BBC members should use this template letter; all other members should use this template letter.
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NUJ branches and chapels can pass motions expressing solidarity with workers making use of this adaptable template.
I have other questions
Your reps will be arranging chapel meetings, sending email updates and speaking to as many members as possible during this period. These are opportunities to hear more, ask questions and discuss what the ballot means for you.
You can also email: [email protected]
Information on this page relates to the NUJ’s ballot on compulsory redundancies and workloads, separate to the NUJ’s ballot on pay at the BBC.
