BBC staff unions to ballot for action over pensions

Staff across the BBC will be balloted for industrial action by their unions after BBC managers today refused to withdraw plans that will implement a cap of 1% on pensionable pay, irrespective of future pay rises or promotions.
The NUJ's broadcasting organiser Sue Harris said: "BBC management have shown complete contempt for staff in the face of the clear message from staff attending the series of consultative meetings that have taken place over the past two weeks.
"Those meetings have seen repeated votes - unanimous in almost all cases - calling on the staff unions to ballot for industrial action should the BBC continue to pursue its plans for a blatant pensions robbery.
"Staff across the country are already incensed at the proposals and will be even more furious now, particularly given the revelation this week that BBC deputy director general Mark Byford trousers a staggering £400,000 a year in pension payments. It's hypocrisy, pure and simple."
The NUJ, together with Bectu and Unite, will continue to meet with BBC managers during the statutory consultation period.