Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> Commonweath Games facing BBC blackout http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1405503374 Message started by Mikej on Jul 16^th, 2014, 9:37am

Title: Commonweath Games facing BBC blackout
Post by Mikej on Jul 16^th, 2014, 9:37am

Saw this in the DM (sorry)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2693726/Commonweath-Games-facing-BBC-blackout-Pay-strike-threat-TV-unions-hit-opening-ceremony.html
and more at the BECTU site at
https://www.bectu.org.uk/news/2216

Work for non-union freelancers?

Mike

Title: Re: Commonweath Games facing BBC blackout
Post by EyeTunes on Jul 16^th, 2014, 1:24pm

As the host broadcaster the BBC will be embarrassed by this. It's not so much the 12 hour black-out-but the overtime ban which will cause most disruption. Having said that I doubt if the BBC will increase it's pay offer either.

Title: Re: Commonweath Games facing BBC blackout
Post by zetothebubbleman on Jul 17^th, 2014, 10:14pm

The BBC isn't actually the host broadcaster, it's the British domestic broadcaster.

The coverage is being produced by SVGTV, a joint company set up by Sunset & Vine and Global Television. They've contracted the facilities companies and the crews who'll cover the actual Games, and supply a "clean feed" of every event.

The BBC will be transmitting that coverage to the UK and adding it's own commentary and linking.

It's how all the major sporting events are now covered, World Cup, Olympics etc.

The days of the BBC and /or ITV being the host broadcasters are sadly long gone, as neither have the technical facilities to do it any more.

Even if the freelancers were union members, and no doubt some are, they're not in dispute with the BBC, haven't been balloted for industrial action, and are therefore quite entitled to work normally. Whether they would cross any picket line is another matter.

Title: Re: Commonweath Games facing BBC blackout
Post by Administrator on Jul 18^th, 2014, 3:39pm

BECTU members will vote on a revised pay and conditions offer.

"Planned strike action next week (Wednesday 23 July) by BECTU and its fellow unions in the BBC has been cancelled following talks earlier today which have resulted in an improved pay offer to staff.....

The consultative ballots across all three unions - BECTU, the NUJ and Unite - will carry a neutral recommendation. The ballots will be run electronically and will get underway on Tuesday 22 July, closing on Tuesday 5 August.
"

The above is courtesy of BECTU here, which includes more details of the improved offer.

From The BBC News Site:-

"BBC strike action suspended

Strike action by BBC staff planned to disrupt coverage of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony has been suspended after talks.

NUJ and Bectu union members had voted in favour of industrial action in a row over pay.

The walkout was to have started at midday on 23 July and last for 12 hours.

The NUJ says 77% of its members voted for strike action, while 79% of Bectu staff came out in favour."