BBC ballot result due

The result of a strike ballot at the BBC was due this week.

BBC workers in five unions— NUJ, Bectu, Unite, Equity and the Musicians Union—have been voting on whether to take action against attacks on their pensions.

Fearful of revolt, the BBC is reported to be considering a new plan to generate money for its pension fund through the “securitisation of assets”. This would see the fund receiving assets—for example, a part share of BBC Worldwide—instead of cash.

This is a method used recently by Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and ITV.

Workers should be very suspicious of any such promises. They are likely to prove shaky.

Unless BBC bosses withdraw all their attacks a positive strike vote should quickly be turned into action.

Such a fightback could give heart to the millions of other workers who face assaults on their pensions.