BBC journalist strike will disrupt broadcasts

• NUJ and Bectu union members will strike tomorrow

• They are protesting the proposed cuts that will lead to 2,000 job losses

Members of the National Union of Journalists and the technicians’ union Bectu will walk out from noon for 12 hours, followed by a work to rule.

Unions said the action will hit the Bank Holiday schedule and will affect programmes including news bulletins.

The unions are protesting at the so-called delivering quality first (DQF) programme which will lead to 2,000 job losses.

Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ said workers were sending a clear message to the BBC that it needs to address problems created by the “ill conceived and badly implemented” cuts.

“It is disappointing that once again the BBC has decided not to properly engage, refusing our call for a moratorium to give space for meaningful discussions on the worrying impact of the cuts. The DQF plans remain on the table, regardless of the consequence for workload and stress levels.

“We know that the cuts are already having an impact on the quality of work. We know that it is leading to unacceptable workloads and stress. We know that management is using DQF as a means to harass and bully staff - making worse an already entrenched problem of bullying that has been largely ignored by those in positions of power.”

Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of Bectu said: “Our members are suffering because the BBC thinks it can deliver the same levels of output with many fewer staff.

“The reality is that excessive workloads caused by massive job cuts are already taking their toll with staff reporting more stress, more bullying and more harassment.

“The BBC has a duty of care which it is not exercising currently and it is great pity that strike action is needed to make senior managers take the issues seriously.”

The unions said they are confident that the strike will be well supported, amid warnings that staff morale was at “rock bottom.”

The NUJ and Bectu have called for a six month moratorium on job cuts to allow for a review of workplace issues.