Musicians strike

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As part of its declared policy of cutting back expenditure by 8% across the board, the BBC proposes to scrap 5 (i.e. 45%!) of its resident orchestras and put 172 (about 35%!) of their musicians on the dole.

BBC musicians have been on all out strike since June 1. The BBC's reaction has been contemptuous and arrogant, epitomised in a letter justifying the cuts sent to the Financial Times by radio chief Aubrey Singer and distributed to all BBC employees.

The BBC is filling its silent hours by violating agreements limiting "needle time" (using gramophone records) and repeating BBC recorded programmes.

The strike is strong and solid -but its success depends crucially on support from other unions.

The Association of Broadcasting Staffs has pledged support. But the test for this will come when : the BBC takes action against any ABS members who refuse to cooperate with efforts to repeat BBC recorded material more than once (the limit established by agreement).

It is already a serious weakness that the ABS (whose members are also severely affecIAN BURGE, ASTMS member at the London Hospital, and a supporter of the Militant tendency, died recently at an early age due to an illness.

BrO. Burge contributed strongly to the fight against hospital closures in the London area and nationally over the last year, and his death is a sad toss.

Socialist Press sends condolences to his family, friends and comrades.

St. Mary's campaigners on May 14 ted by the BBC cuts) called strike action.

A failure to call all-out national strike action if any of their members were disciplined for upholding agreements would be a scandalous betrayal.

It is also important that other unions black the BBC, COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER refusing. deliveries, so on.

The Musicians Union is also calling for contributions from other unions to the Strike Hardship Fund. These should go to Jack Stoddart, Musucians Union, 60/62 Clapham Road, London SW9 (tel: 01-582 5566)

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