BBC pay talks begin

Negotiations on the 2004 pay claim have begun with BBC management.

At a meeting on May 11 union officials outlined the case for a 5% pay increase, coupled with improvements in many benefits including maternity pay and arrangements for night working.

BECTU, NUJ, and Amicus emphasised that the BBC's 4.3% increase in the licence fee, together with other revenue from a crack-down on evasion, had provided enough finance to pay an increase well over inflation, currently running at 2.6%.

However, BBC management described the claim as "ambitious", and said that the list of other improvements demanded by the unions could have a disproportionate effect in some areas.

Talks adjourned with both sides ageeing to a full discussion of the BBC's offer at the next meeting on June 3, where the management are expected to respond in full to the points raised at the May 11 talks.