BBC staff could strike twice in OctoberTrade unions have set dates for two 48-hour strikes threatened by BBC staff as part of an ongoing dispute over changes to the broadcaster's pension scheme put forward by director general Mark Thompson.

Unless an agreement is reached, workers will walk out on October 5th and 6th 2010 – coinciding with this year's Conservative Party conference in Birmingham – and could do so again on October 19th and 20th.

National Union of Journalists general secretary Jeremy Dear said: "If the BBC fails to listen to the continued anger of staff at these unacceptable pensions changes, we will be left with no choice but to strike to stop the pensions robbery."

Bectu chief Gerry Morrissey warned of the "long-term implications" of the BBC's restructuring of pensions, but added that the corporation's latest proposals are worthy of "detailed examination".

Managers seeking tips on how to maintain morale in spite of financial challenges could benefit from participating in the Talent Management and Leadership Development Summit 2010 next month.

Posted by Ross George