The BBC is facing a strike by its journalists and other staff in a dispute over job cuts.
Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and technical union Bectu voted in favour of walkouts and other forms of action in a long-running row over a cost-cutting programme which will lead to the loss of 2,000 jobs.
The NUJ vote was 61% in favour of stoppages and almost 80% for action short of a strike, while backing among Bectu members was 56% and 81%.
The two unions have warned that jobs and working conditions are being affected by the so-called Delivering Quality First (DQF) programme.
Gerry Morrissey, leader of Bectu, said: “BBC staff have today rejected management’s attempts to create a modern-day BBC sweatshop. Current demands on staff are unacceptable and with more job cuts planned it is essential that the BBC takes stock of the impact of DQF on its workforce.”
Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the NUJ, accused the BBC of refusing to accept a suggested six-month moratorium on cuts to allow talks to go ahead.
She said: “It is disappointing that once again the BBC has decided not to properly engage, refusing our call for a moratorium to give space for meaningful discussions on the worrying impact of the cuts.
“BBC executives know they’ve got a major problem on their hands a recent investigation into bullying and harassment has lifted the lid on a problem that has been allowed to grow to shocking levels, under the noses of senior executives supposed to be responsible for upholding BBC values.”
NUJ members staged a one-day strike last month over compulsory redundancies which hit a number of flagship radio and TV programmes.
Union members in Scotland will be on strike on Friday and Monday over the compulsory redundancy row.
The unions maintained that the cuts were having an impact on the quality of BBC output and were placing “huge pressure” on staff.