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Red Bee proposals 'divisive and punitive'

The company, which opened restructuring talks with the recognised unions, BECTU and the NUJ, earlier this month has sinced tabled proposals to:

• Introduce statutory redundancy pay for new starters;

• End salary protection where staff are redeployed as an alternative to compulsory redundancy;

• Make company sick discretionary and cut the link with BBC staff terms;

• Cease the payment of 'growth in job' payments;

• Review the payment of the allowance for flexible working (unpredictability allowance);

• Move from an 11-band pay and grading model to one with four levels.

 

BECTU members should log in to view the Red Bee Media branch page for further details.

The union has been in joint consultations, with the NUJ, on management's proposals; a further meeting is set for 7 July.

National official, Suresh Chawla, explained:

"These are significant changes, which if implemented, would have a highly detrimental impact on all of our members. These proposals are a double whammy as they come at a time when we’re looking at over 50 potential redundancies across all areas of RBM.

"It’s difficult to see how we’re going to be able to reach agreement on some highly divisive and punitive measures.

"We are asking all members to discuss these proposals with their branch colleagues and representatives in order for us to present a considered and reflective response to management. 

"Members are again urged to continue to recruit their non-member colleagues to join them in BECTU; it is essential  for us to  strengthen our position if we are to retain the fair and reasonable working conditions which currently apply."

Following the opening of talks on proposed job cuts in Creatives and Access services, a further 10 posts in Technology and five in Finance are also now at risk. Red Bee Media is also seeking fresh negotiations on its contracts with BBC Broadcast.