Members of the National Union of Journalists working for the BBC have started industrial action against forced redundancies at BBC Scotland, Newsbeat, Five Live, Big Screens, the Asian Network and the World Service.
Action began with a work to rule on Friday 15 February, and was followed by a successful one-day strike on Monday 20 February that took the Today programme off the air, among others.
The work to rule comprises three actions around working hours: not working more than contracted hours; having a minimum 11-hour break between shifts; and taking other breaks (such as meals) in full and away from the desk. It also involves not “acting up” unless the deputising has been formally arranged.
The union has criticised the BBC for wasting public money by insisting on redundancies while advertising new posts. ■