BBC strike could hit Jubilee coverage

Thousands of BBC staff are to be balloted for strikes over pay, with unions warning of disruption to coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations if action goes ahead.

Members of unions representing journalists, technicians and other employees will vote in the coming weeks, with the result due on 21 May.

The unions would have to give seven days’ notice of any action, but they would leave time for them to call strikes over the June weekend of events.

Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of the broadcasting union Bectu, said the ballot decision followed the imposition of a 1 per cent pay rise.

“Warning of action over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend is extremely regrettable, but this offer is derisory.”