TV and radio newscasts of the BBC were suspended on Monday due to a 24-hour strike of journalists, initiated by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), which protests the compulsory redundancies ordered by the British public broadcaster.
Many of BBC programs started later than scheduled or were terminated, notifys the Media Guardian.
However, many BBC celebrities were present in the broadcast Monday morning. Nicky Campbell from BBC Radio 5 said that although he supported the previous strikes, the public broadcaster feels that employees have a duty and responsibility to those who pay TV and radio taxes. He said he spoke with several colleagues and not found anyone that would support the Monday strike.
However, representatives of the National Union of Journalists – NUJ said the strike is supported by 3,000 union employees of the corporation.
The employees picketed BBC studios and offices of the broadcaster in London. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said that BBC journalists are upset by “change of approach” to layoffs plan.
BBC representatives have apologized to viewers and listeners for the interruption of programs.
The protests came after four people employed by the BBC World Service have been dismissed and another 43 have to go on Monday as a result of the BBC plan to dismiss 387 employees from the BBC World Service and BBC Monitoring. The decision to reduce staff numbers was taken after the government decided to reduce the budget of the two BBC divisions.
The Monday strike will last 24 hours. The previous 24-hour strike of BBC journalists was held on July 15. Also, the NUJ has entered a 48-hour strike last November to protest against pension plan changes for BBC staff.
BBC management and union representatives will meet for further negotiations on August 11.