BBC journalists are to stage a one-day strike in Northern Ireland on the day of the election count, it has been announced.
The National Union of Journalists announced the 24-hour action on Friday.
The industrial dispute centres on what the NUJ describe as "proposed cuts to jobs and programmes".
Read more: BBC NI staff vote to strike over Radio Foyle cuts
The BBC announced in March that it would cut BBC Radio Foyle's flagship breakfast news programme from two hours to just 30 minutes, and scrap the existing lunchtime news programme altogether, along with a host of other changes.
The proposed cuts were met with immediate opposition from both the National Union of Journalists, local campaigners, and politicians but on April 21, the full-length Breakfast Show broadcast for the last time.
Earlier this month, the NUJ announced that its members had voted in favour of industrial action.
On Friday, a spokesperson for the union said: "NUJ members working across BBC Northern Ireland will take part in 24hr strike action on Friday 19 May, in opposition to proposed cuts to jobs and programmes.
"An industrial action ballot of members delivered a strong mandate with 83 per cent voting in favour of strike action, following the failure of BBC management to save valued programmes across Northern Ireland, and guarantee the security of journalists’ jobs. As part of cost-cutting efforts, the public service broadcaster is seeking £2.3m in savings, cutting 36 posts alongside other potential job losses."
The spokesperson continued: "NUJ members believe the BBC’s restructuring plans will impact resources and their ability to deliver quality programmes across Northern Ireland. For example, last month the Radio Foyle Breakfast Show was dramatically altered, now 30 minutes instead of its original two-hour duration. Communities across Northern Ireland have expressed dismay and anger over the impact of cuts to services, urging the BBC to rethink plans.
"The NUJ has been engaged in negotiations with the BBC and has urged them to return to discussions with viable options on alternative ways to make savings."
The NUJ say its strike action will begin fifteen minutes after midnight on May 19 and end 24 hours later.
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said: “Members have been left with no option than to head to pickets in defence of their jobs and the much-loved programmes listeners tune into daily. Yet again, the BBC is pursuing savings and drastic changes at the expense of quality journalism it claims to pride itself on. The NUJ wants to reach a solution that resolves the dispute and asks the BBC to return to talks with a fair offer members can accept.”
READ NEXT:
- Derry man who trekked to Everest with 73-year-old for Foyle Search and Rescue recounts 'incredible' experience
- Katrina Rainey: Husband admits murder of midwife found in burning car
- Rory Gallagher domestic abuse claims not pursued in courts 'due to lack of evidence'
- RECAP: Magilligan security ends as 'object' taken away
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
