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The BBC's Lucy Adams has won this year's showdown at the White City Corral, with Jubilee Weekend strike action averted - spookily just before the unions were to reveal the outcome of their ballot. Now we'll never know. Although there are hints that the staff were not as angry as their leaders over the imposition of a "derisory" 1% pay deal.

Gerry Morrissey of BECTU said “There is absolutely no question that the BBC’s handling of this year’s pay talks will continue to anger staff and what is more, our members, not least in London, will suffer financially. However from the soundings we have taken, viewed nationally, pay was not the primary concern and in light of this we doubted the success of strike action over the Jubilee weekend.”  You might interpret that as a narrow majority for striking in London, but none elsewhere.

The unions say nonetheless they've won concessions. The ludicrous Unpredictability Allowances stay, for those who have them already. So in the shiny modern offices of Pacific Quay, MediaCityUK and Broadcasting House, you'll have some staff on UPA1, some on UPA2 and new staff working without it. Let harmony break forth in the 21st century workplace.

There's a two-year stay on performance-related pay:  "Performance ratings will continue to be voluntary (both verbal and written) for the next two years after which time the position will be reviewed”. Once Lucy has got the resolve of a new DG properly stiffened.

The idea of a commitment to maintaining a national pay deal until the end of the current licence-fee, in 2017, is interesting. Some in the BBC have been pushing for regional pay deals, way ahead of George Osborne floating the idea for the public sector.

And this phrase in the joint statement is a belter: "It is believed by both the joint unions and management that a continuous pattern of annual settlements which represent a real cut in pay are neither desirable nor sustainable".  The unions think it means back to inflation-plus deals next year. Not if Lucy gets the new DG behind her in the saddle for next year's Rodeo.