BBC coverage of the Olympics begins next month

Members of technology union Bectu plan two walkouts in July and August in protest at privatisation plans.

The union says the action among some of its 1,400 BBC Technology staff will have a "significant impact on TV production and IT support".

But the BBC said it expected "minimal disruption" and had contingency plans to prevent shows falling off air.

"We are making sure provisions are in place to prevent blank screens," said John Varney, the BBC's chief technology officer.

"We haven't stopped talking to Bectu and we are still working towards a solution."

The dispute centres on plans to sell off the BBC Technology department to the German engineering and electronics giant Siemens.

Bectu, the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union, represents staff in TV, radio, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, and interactive media.

Ballot

It wants assurances over its members' working terms and conditions and pension arrangements, and says Siemens is "refusing" to match the current BBC agreement.

The BBC said it had contingency plans in place to protect coverage

After balloting its 400 BBC Technology members, Bectu said an "overwhelming majority" had backed strike action.

As a result it planned walkouts on 30 and 31 July, and 13 and 14 August - coinciding with opening ceremony of the Olympics in Athens.

The union said many of its members worked in "critical" areas affecting TV programmes, and the BBC would be "hard-pressed" to maintain a normal service.

'Scared'

Bectu spokesman Andy Love said the strike would involve mainly IT staff whose duties were crucial to programme output.

He said the corporation's Olympics coverage could be among the programmes affected, and said management were "scared" at the prospect of industrial action.

But John Varney, who is responsible for broadcast continuity, said: "We have been working for some weeks now towards contingency plans.

"All of the broadcast lines and communications we need are in place in advance, and I would be surprised if we see a complete walkout."