First BBCT offer rejected

87% of BBC Technology members responding in a ballot have rejected Siemens' first conditions offer.

The ballot, which closed on 29 July 2004, decisively rejected the offer from the Siemens, which is the BBC's preferred bidder for the planned privatisation of BBC Technology (BBCT).

The same members are now being taking part in another consultative ballot on a second set of proposals from Siemens covering terms and conditions, pensions and redundancies.

This ballot follows advice from union lawyers which resulted in planned industrial action being suspended.

Ballot papers have now been distributed to members in BBCT and News IT - the closing date for completed papers is 1200 on 12 August 2004.

BECTU remains opposed to the plan to privatise BBC Technology and transfer staff into Siemens Business Services.