SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood address rally at Guildhall In January over planned cuts at Radio Foyle
NUJ members in Derry and Belfast have voted by 83 per cent to down pens between 12.15 pm on Friday, May 19, and 12.15 pm on Saturday, May 20.
The strike coincides with the counting of votes in the local council elections.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “Solidarity with the NUJ members at the BBC who will take industrial action next week in response to the scale of cuts which have already seen vital public service broadcasting reduced and jobs put on the line.
“From the outset, the SDLP has warned that these cuts will have a devastating impact on local news coverage, particularly in Derry and the North West, and that they do not have the support of BBC staff or local people.
“People in Derry will not be treated as an afterthought.
“Despite repeated challenges to BBC senior management, we have yet to receive a satisfactory response or justification for the burden of reductions falling on important local programming.
“The SDLP supports the decision of NUJ staff and we will stand with them next Friday.”
Foyleside People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said: “”This is the correct action by the NUJ.
“The arrogant BBC NI director Adam Smyth refused to listen to the people of Derry when they spoke with one voice, to save Radio Foyle.
“He didn’t have the bottle to come and face the people in Derry and the North West who pay his wages.
“Instead he tore Radio Foyle asunder from a safe distance.
“All those who voted for strike action are sending a clear message to Smyth and his Tory bosses that they will not allow the destruction of our local station to continue.
“People Before Profit urge people to come out and join the picket line at Radio Foyle on the Northland Road.
“We commend the brilliant Save Radio Foyle campaign and we commend the NUJ members at Radio Foyle for striking back.”
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