BBC staff have voted to strike, which is always exciting. Live programmes could be affected from as early as next Friday after members of the National Union of Journalists and technicians union Bectu both voted to strike over Director General Mark Thompson's controversial 4000 job cutback. Representatives from the NUJ and Bectu, and from Amicus, the skilled workers union which is still to announce the result of its strike ballot, are expected to meet today to discuss their plans.
NUJ official Paul McLaughlin welcomed the vote result, telling reporters: "Obviously we are delighted with the strong result our members are sending to the BBC. The BBC has refused to negotiate. It's scandalous. They must listen to the views of their staff. Unless they change, serious steps will be taken tomorrow."