Red Bee bosses meet union reps over potential industrial action

The ballots, which closed yesterday, concerned disputes between BECTU and Red Bee Media over reduced redundancy pay and increased travel costs for staff who work unsociable hours. The call for industrial action over redundancy pay was backed by 83 per cent of members, and 80 per cent supported action in support of increased late-night transport costs.

Red Bee Media provides broadcast services for the BBC, Channel 4, UKTV and several other broadcasters. Many of its staff were previously employed by the BBC and had inherited redundancy terms from the company.

BECTU national official Suresh Chawla says, ‘The strength of the views expressed on both issues is something which management can no longer dismiss. We look forward to the talks on Monday and trust they will achieve what we all want – an agreement on the way forward.’

Talks between Red Bee Media’s management and BECTU officials will begin on 19 April.

Red Bee Media was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.