BBC Scotland urged to consult staff union on studio transfer proposal
BBC Scotland bosses have been urged by the Scottish Greens to consult their staff on a proposal to outsource the ownership of two studios at its Glasgow HQ.
The call comes from Greens culture spokesperson Ross Greer MSP after it emerged that the Pacific Quay leadership no longer intended to engage with studio staff before making its submission to the BBC’s Director General in London, a move that trade union BECTU described as “scandalous”. Greer has written to BBC Scotland Director Steve Carson, urging him to engage with BECTU immediately.
This comes after the First Minister confirmed that she shared the Greens’ concerns about these proposals and stated her belief that they were not in the interests of the Scottish film & TV production sector.
Ross Greer said:
“I am extremely concerned that BBC Scotland management has decided against consulting with its own studio staff before making its submission to the Director General.
“Engagement with staff via their trade union should be a priority for any employer. It’s particularly important in this situation as dozens of redundancies amongst studio staff is a potential outcome of this process, with a TUPE transfer to the new operator not likely to be offered.
“This engagement would not significantly delay the BBC’s submission, as BECTU, the trade union that represents studio staff, has been intensely engaged in the process and are ready and willing to meet at management’s convenience.
“I’d urge BBC Scotland to reconsider its stance, recognise the importance of engaging with staff, and to get round the table with BECTU urgently.”