Strike Called At BBC Over Relocation Plans

Union members at BBC Birmingham have called a 24-hour strike over plans to move substantial amounts of production to Bristol.
The strike, set to run from 15.30 on Wednesday 18 January until 15.30 the following day, is likely to hit productions including The Archers and Countryfile and See Hear.
The BBC's dispute with BECTU arises from plans to move large parts of production for TV and radio from Birmingham to Bristol in moves announced last October as part of Delivering Quality First. Union members are protesting at the plans and at the BBC's refusal to enter into negotiations.
Around half of the union's membership affected by the dispute voted overwhelming last week in favour of strike action and action short of strike.
BECTU has warned that further strike dates will be called if the BBC fails to respond to the union's demand for talks.
(LB)