Journalists have started voting on whether to accept or reject a new offer on changes at the BBC.
The offer, brokered through conciliation service, ACAS, concerns the BBC Local plans, which have led to major changes across radio, television and online.
The NUJ said it led to over 800 journalists being put at risk of redundancy and several high profile local presenters have left the corporation.
Since the dispute started, members have taken 4 days of strike action, along with a long-running work to rule.
According to the union, it has had an impact, with the number of weekend daytime programmes increasing from 12 to 18 and weekday afternoon shows from 18 to 20.
A planned afternoon show on Sundays to be shared across all regions has now been paused until at least September next year.
Today’s offer also includes new concessions and protections, including on income and job security.
“Members will now have their say on this offer, which addresses some of the most pressing industrial concerns – including avoiding compulsory redundancies and improving redeployment, pay protection, workload and movement on news bulletins,’ said Paul Siegert, NUJ broadcasting official.
“Whatever the outcome of this industrial dispute, the NUJ will continue to fight and argue that there should be 39 local radio stations, properly funded, all producing genuinely local output with their own bespoke live news bulletins. We are concerned that the cuts that have taken place at the BBC – with more on the immediate horizon – are hollowing out the BBC’s ability to fulfil its remit and duty as our public service broadcaster. This includes its obligations on hours of weekly local output, which we want to see significantly increased.”
The vote closes on Monday 13 November.
