BBC Technology transfer deal averts strike action

Union
leaders have called off the first planned strike by staff at the BBC’s
technology division.

Members
of broadcast union Bectu had planned to strike on 30 and 31 July, as a protest
against staff transfer terms in the sale of the BBC Technology unit to Siemens
Business Services.

Bectu
objected to Siemens’ proposed pension and changes to working terms and
conditions. The IT services company has since revised its offer and, until
union members can vote on whether to accept the new deal, the strike has been
suspended.

Siemens’
second offer guarantees existing terms and conditions for three years, promises
that workers won’t have to move locations and gives better pension benefits for
some staff.

While
Bectu says the revised deal is a strong move in the right direction, a second
period of industrial action, to take place on 13 and 14 August – the first two
days of the Olympic Games, is still scheduled to go ahead.

The
BBC has said it has contingency plans in place if the proposed walkout does
happen and maintains "the deal is still on track to complete this
autumn"..

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BBC
Technology employs around 1,400 staff.

By Daniel Thomas