Union sets BBC strike days

BECTU, the largest union in the BBC, has warned the corporation that its 6,500 members will strike on 4 June and 9 June in action that will disrupt drama, soaps and World Cup coverage.

Ballots conducted by the broadcasting union at the weekend revealed that more than 70 per cent of its members supported a series of one-day walkouts over disputes with BBC management. Bectu estimates that around 10,000 BBC staff will turn out for the two days of industrial action. Its members are predominantly "behind the camera" technicians and crew.

Bectu members are also to be balloted at London Weekend Television at the end of next week on possible strike action over a 3 per cent pay rise imposed by the company. Bectu plans to lobby MPs about the gradual privatisation of public service broadcasting during a march on the House of Commons on 9 June.