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BBC World Service staff in canteen boycott

BECTU and the NUJ, are asking their members to join the sacked workers for a 12 noon rally at the main entrance to Bush House on Friday. Staff are also being urged to sign the petition now in circulation.
 
BECTU national official, Pat Styles, said:

"The BBC has failed to consult meaningfully with us about the proposed changes to catering provision at Bush House, and despite the serious concerns we have raised, management has imposed a cut in the service. On the same day as these reductions were imposed we also discovered that Aramark had dismissed several of our members, including some of our elected representatives.”

The co-chair of the BBC World Service branch of the National Union of Journalists, Mike Workman, also criticised the way in which the dismissals had been announced. He said News and Production staff at the World Service fully supported the sacked workers and highlighted the fact that this was linked to the ongoing dispute between the BBC and the unions over the canteen service.
 
Mike Workman added: "We are particularly concerned with the range and quality of food being offered to night workers who have no choice but to eat in Bush House in the early hours of the morning."

Sacked catering staff must be reinstated, says BECTU

BECTU supervisory official, Helen Ryan, said:

“What has happened to our members is absolutely disgusting. Aramark has not given any consideration to redeployment opportunities, or other suitable alternatives to dismissal, and our members were called in one by one last week and told that when the Bush House restaurant reopened after its refurbishment they would not be needed. This is no way to treat anybody."

Helen Ryan continued “We are seeking meaningful negotiation and consultation with the BBC regarding the provision of catering services to our members working at Bush House. We are calling upon Aramark to reinstate the sacked workers whilst proper negotiations and meaningful consultation takes place.”