Journalists and technical staff at STV have walked out on strike in a dispute over pay, disrupting coverage on the day of the Holyrood election count. Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Bectu, which represents technical staff, are taking action over a pay freeze that unions describe as a real-terms pay cut.
Impact on Election Coverage
The industrial action on Friday has forced STV to alter its planned election programming. Instead of a scheduled election programme at 5pm, the broadcaster will air an episode of the game show The Chase. STV stated that it will remain with the Channel 3 network schedule throughout the day, except at 6pm when an episode of Sean's Scotland will be broadcast. Regular election updates will be provided via the STV News digital service and on STV Radio.
Union Reactions
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland organiser, expressed frustration: “It’s frustrating that due to the stubbornness of STV management, on the biggest news day in Scotland for years, Scottish viewers, listeners and readers won’t be able to hear what some of the most well-respected journalists, reporters and producers in Scottish broadcasting have to say.” He added that members would rather be reporting the election results than standing on picket lines but have been driven to action by management’s indifference to their workload and pay.
Paul McManus, Bectu negotiations officer for Scotland, said: “Staff at STV have been left with no choice but to take this action. They are being asked to take a real-terms pay cut against the backdrop of rocketing prices and when they are already overworked.” He noted that workers are being asked to take the financial hit while STV invests in other areas.
Picket Lines and Management Response
NUJ and Bectu members are manning pickets outside STV offices in Glasgow and Aberdeen on Friday. An STV spokesperson said: “We recognise a temporary salary freeze is challenging for colleagues, but we’ve had to take a range of measures to respond to the market conditions facing the media sector. Returning the business to a strong financial footing is our priority and will protect the long-term interests of our colleagues.” The spokesperson expressed disappointment that the unions’ chosen day of action will impact on-air audiences and reiterated commitment to dialogue.
Background
The strike follows STV’s announcement last year of plans to axe its dedicated north programme and up to 60 jobs across the company. The north programme will be replaced by a single programme from Glasgow with regional news sections. STV applied to Ofcom to reduce its public service broadcasting obligations and drop regionalised versions of the flagship News At 6 across its two Channel 3 licence areas. Ofcom has delayed its decision until after the Scottish election.
