BBC Parliament staff to strike over 'unequal' pay

Union members have voted unanimously for action following allegations over 'unequal' pay grading whereby some journalists say they are receiving less pay and recognition for carrying out the same duties as staff on other channels

(Getty)

Staff working for the BBC Parliament channel are to stage a 24-hour strike amid a dispute over pay grading.

Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) have voted unanimously in favour of strike action and will walk out on Wednesday, beginning at 6am.

It is understood that most of those who will be taking part will be broadcasting assistants.

In a statement, the NUJ said journalists working on the channel are receiving less pay and recognition than colleagues on other BBC channels with similar duties and editorial responsibilities.

Aiden James, the father of chapel at BBC Westminster said: “This is not about pay, it's about fairness and being valued for what we do. Members want equality with colleagues on the BBC News Channel and World News, where writing, editing and producing content are recognised as the work of grade 7 Broadcast Journalists.

“NUJ members at BBC Parliament love the channel. Its viewing figures have more than doubled in recent years as a result of their hard work. We want it to improve further and grow to serve its audience. Managers can be helped to achieve this by investing in their staff, rather than exploiting the commitment of grade 5 Broadcast Assistants. The NUJ wants the journalism of members at BBC Parliament to be recognised and valued by management. The NUJ wants to see staff at BBC Parliament treated equally to their grade 7 colleagues.”

A spokesperson for the NUJ added: "This is a long-standing issue that journalists have been raising with management for a number of years. They now feel they have no alternative but to take this action."

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "We expect to offer a normal service including broadcasting PMQs on BBC Parliament as well as BBC News Channel and BBC Two as usual.

"There will be coverage of the select committee hearing with Sir Phillip Green on BBC Parliament and the BBC News Channel. We have plans in place to maintain the scheduled programming"

The channel broadcasts live coverage of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Select Committee sittings at Parliament, as well as regional and devolved institutions including the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish parliaments and the London Assembly.