BBC workers to strike over pensions

Thousands of BBC workers could participate in two 48-hour strikes next month in an ongoing dispute over proposed cutbacks to the corporation's final salary pension scheme.

Strike dates are set for October 5 and 6 to coincide with the BBC's coverage of the Conservative Party conference.

The BBC's journalists, technicians and other broadcast staff could also walk out on October 19 and 20, which would disrupt coverage of the government's spending review.

The dates were confirmed by Bectu, the National Union of Journalists and Unite, despite recent talks with the BBC in which new pension concession were offered to avert the strikes.

The unions said that they will continue to consult with members over the next few weeks, before a meeting on October 1 to decide whether to forge ahead with the strike action.

"The BBC's continued insistence that staff pay much more for significantly worse benefits is unacceptable," said NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear.

"We will be taking the union's case for fair pensions to a series of members' meetings across the UK. If the BBC fails to listen to the continued anger of staff at these unacceptable pensions changes we will be left with no choice but to strike to stop the pensions robbery."

Bectu general secretary Gerry Morrissey added: "Whilst the BBC has heard and responded to some of our concerns, we are disappointed that the BBC's response fails to take account of the long-term implications of the worsening of pension terms for staff and their families.

"We believe that the BBC should be prepared to justify its position fully by agreeing to revisit pension benefits in April 2011, should official figures confirm that the total scheme deficit is less than £1.5 billion. That said, the latest proposals from the BBC warrant further detailed examination with members."