BBC Calls Off Strike That Would Have Disrupted Glasgow Opening Ceremony Coverage

BBC staff members "have called off strike action that could have disrupted coverage of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, after management tabled an improved pay offer," according to Mark Sweney of the London GUARDIAN. BBC members of the National Union of Journalists, media and entertainment union Bectu and Unite said that "the strike action had been called off following the tabling of an improved two-year offer after lengthy negotiations." Elements of the improved offer include staff earning under £50,000 ($85,000) receiving a flat-rate rise of £650 ($1,100), with those earning more getting a £500 ($850) rise. Starting in January all staff "would receive an additional" £150 ($256); from Aug. '15 there would be a 2.5% rise for all staff. The strike "would have disrupted news production for the opening of the Commonwealth Games, as well as newsgathering and programme production across BBC radio and TV services" (GUARDIAN, 7/18).