Technology break-up dispute

Proposals to break-up part of BBC Technology are in dispute.

The proposal to split the Broadcast Engineering section of BBC Technology was put forward as part of the plan to privatise Technology.

This was originally proposed to take place on 31 April 2004 - however following a formal dispute being registered by the union, the date has been moved to 31 July 2004.

Management have proposed that 51 staff from Broadcast Engineering transfer to the Broadcast Division in relation to Playout Support.

Management have been told that the Playout proposal is opposed by the vast majority of members affected because it:

• Preempts the BBC's decision about the Technology sell-off.
• Breaks-up Broadcast Engineering.
• Lacked any guarantees about scheduling, training and staffing.

The union is opposed to the break-up of Broadcast Engineering because it believes the viability of the section relies on a 'critical mass' of staff numbers along with synergy between the various areas.

BECTU believes Broadcast Engineering must continue as an integrated and flexible unit within the Corporation which includes both CCA and Playout Support.

Broadcast Engineering includes the following areas based in London W12:

• CCA (Central Communications Area)
• Satellite Sales Team
• Playout Support
• BNCS (Broadcast Network Control System)
• IBS (Integrated Broadcast Systems)
• MTC (Media Technology Centre)
• DOC (Digital Operations Centre)
• Network Bookings
• Trainee Broadcast Engineers