Industrial action at BBC

News output across the BBC network has ground to halt over a dispute with regard over proposed changes to the organisation's pension scheme. The strike is set to continue for 48 hours and will affect all news and current affairs schedules.

Staff at BBC Radio Foyle have maintained a picket line outside the station since 6am this morning.

Non union presenters will continue to work as normal.

NUJ members are due to walk out again for 48 hours on November 15 and 16 and have threatened to do so again at Christmas.

And, SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has called on BBC management to engage in meaningful negotiations with trade unions representing their staff so that employees receive the fair pension scheme to which they are entitled.

Mr Durkan said:"I am concerned at the BBC management's proposals to alter its staff pension scheme.

"I am also alarmed that these changes, which will effectively lead to the closure of current BBC pension schemes, will affect thousands of BBC staff – not least here in Derry and throughout the North – and raise the prospect of them losing tens of thousands of pounds in their retirement.

"Over 90 per cent of BBC union members voted in favour of industrial action over this issue.

"I am therefore calling on the BBC management to reconsider its proposals and instead engage in meaningful negotiations with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) and Unite – the trade unions representing BBC staff – to resolve this dispute and ensure that these staff get the fair pension scheme to which they are entitled."