Quote:
BBC plans may lead to strikes
The BBC is expected to cut 2,800 jobs after the BBC Trust approved plans for the future of the corporation.
After a meeting in London, chairman Sir Michael Lyons said the trustees were unanimous in approving plans drawn up by director general Mark Thompson aimed at plugging a £2 billion funding shortfall.
Sir Michael said the plans are "definitely" in the best interests of the BBC, although they may lead to the threat of strikes before Christmas.
Union officials claim the BBC has already prepared letters seeking volunteers for redundancy but which have Friday's date on them, proving the corporation does not intend to enter into meaningful negotiations over job cuts.
Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), said: "This is clearly a provocative act and a sign that the BBC has no intention of entering meaningful negotiations because they have already made up their mind."
The NUJ and the broadcasting workers' union Bectu will make it clear they will not accept any compulsory redundancies and will demand a risk assessment of staff left at the BBC after the cuts to make sure they can cope with any extra workload.
A source warned strikes would be "inevitable" if the demands are not met.
The plans will be revealed to BBC staff on Thursday morning and the announcement will be followed by a meeting of union officials to decide their response.
Mr Thompson is expected to announce the creation of 1,000 new jobs to offset those being lost.
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ITV News
(The Sale was mentioned on the News at half ten)
17-10-2007, 09:59 PM
BBC Television Centre FOR SALE
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