Latest editorial
![Pregnant: [Pic: freestocks / Creative Commons]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-06/freestocks-ux53SGpRAHU-unsplash.jpg.webp?itok=4FVGVcVv)
BBC World News workers walked out yesterday in a dispute over anti-social working hours at the 24-hour station.
Bosses want to scrap a long-standing agreement under which staff work flexible hours to compensate for the health risks of working irregular hours and night shifts.
The cost-cutting measure comes despite an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into conditions at BBC World News which found staff worked “excessive hours” and there was no plan to deal with work-related stress.
![[Pic: Andrew Wiard]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-01/19860406_a_wiard_0001.jpg.webp?itok=d2RMNwWw)
LAURA DAVISON traces how Murdoch’s mass sackings, political deals and legal loopholes shattered collective bargaining 40 years ago – and how persistent NUJ organising, landmark court victories and new employment rights legislation are finally challenging that legacy
![[Pic: Andrew Wiard]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-01/19860503_a_wiard_0002.jpg.webp?itok=w0tEojMk)
A handful of journalists at The Times faced a stark personal and political choice in 1986 – cross the picket lines for cash and career, or stand with organised labour at great personal risk. BARRIE CLEMENT recalls why refusing to scab at Wapping was not just an act of union loyalty, but a stand for the future of journalism
