Don't mention the 'N' word
The 'N-word' proves too much for BBC bosses
As some media reports claim that if BBC management are to be clever in forcing the unions to back down in the dispute over job cuts they should try and split the unions down the middle into two groups using the twin issues of redundancies versus privatisation fears, this hastily revised memo suggests that at least one BBC boss is willing to listen to the unions. (Which must worry Mark Thompson quite a bit.)
My guess is that BBC bosses are privately just as divided over Mark Thompson's plans as the staff are, and the unions could and should exploit this possibility whilst trying to suggest that a properly negogiated solution should be the way forward. By ignoring the possibility of an alternative solution to the problem, the stakes for failure have become very high as a consequence.
As this dispute progresses, BBC management may be eventually forced to concede that in this particular situation there is more than one way forward, and drafting a solution purely on the premise of pleasing the Government will create more problems than it solves. And Mark Thompson may end up losing some of his allies as a result.
