Second Production ballot

A second ballot is being run on new job descriptions in Production departments.

In an earlier ballot 56% of participants voted against proposals to streamline the number of separate roles across all Production Divisions.

Management then agreed to review the new Production Coordinator role by 1 July, with the prospect of selected staff being upgraded, and the union is recommending acceptance in the new ballot.

The proposals, part of management's production modernisation programme, include new streamlined roles in all Divisions employing Production staff.

Under the plan more than 80 existing job descriptions will be compressed into just four job families, comprising 13 new roles spanning several grades.

Management say that the rationalisation will not only simplify the structure within departments, but will also offer staff clearer paths to promotion and self-development.

However during negotiations the union has been concerned about possible effective downgrading in some areas.

The ballot will be held amongst Production BECTU members. Divisions affected by the proposals include DEC (Drama, Entertainment and Childrens), F&L (Factual and Learning), Sport, Radio and Music, and parts of News.