Journalists at the BBC have voted to continue industrial action to fight cuts to local radio.
The National Union of Journalists say the plans will “cut local content by almost half” through shared regional output and a reduction in shows.
To date there have been 3 strikes and journalists are continuing to work to rule.
On a turnout of 64%, 70% of union members said they were prepared to take part in further strike action and 83% said they were prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike.
The NUJ said the ballot result would be used to “shore up negotiations with the BBC.”
“The BBC needs to sit up and take notice of the strong feeling of BBC staff, along with politicians and community groups across the country,” said Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary.
“If they thought this dispute was waning, they are sadly mistaken. This is a strong result in an important dispute in support of jobs, but also importantly in support of the BBC’s role in providing a service to all local communities. We now have a further mandate for strike action. But of course, we would prefer to reach a negotiated settlement with the BBC and resolve to continue the present talks with management.”
