Workers T have voted overwhelmingly to strike in wage disputes, the Correspondence Trade Union (CWU) announced...
This is the latest development in the summer of industrial unrest, with massive strikes on the railroad network and the departure of tube workers and barristers.
Members of BT and Openreach’s CWU overwhelmingly supported industrial activities.
Secretary-General Dave Ward said BT has faced the first strike since it was privatized in the 1980s.
Ward said this was the first time a group of call center workers had voted for industrial activities.
Voting by EE CWU members failed with a few votes to reach legal standards.
Ward said he hopes BT will offer a “significantly improved” salary increase by next week. Otherwise the strike date will be set.
He said his members “continued to unite the country during the pandemic” and “there was no home-based labor revolution” without them.
He states: “This task was very difficult and often cost the company £ 1.3 billion, with great personal sacrifice.
“More than £ 700 million was paid to shareholders. The company’s CEO Philip Jansen handed over a £ 3.5 million payment package, up 32%. More than £ 700 million was paid to shareholders and became Chief Financial Officer. Was passed £ 2.2 million, an increase of 25%.
“What are the rewards for members? Imposing an increase below inflation – exactly the same workers who made more money than actual wages, like the number of lotteries.”
The union said it wanted a “significant” wage increase, especially given the surge in inflation, and BT argued that it was acceptable.
A spokesperson for the BT Group said:
“At the same time, we are in the middle of a generational investment program to upgrade the country’s broadband and mobile networks.
“These investments are essential to the interests of millions of customers and the UK economy. Above all, they are central to the success of this business and its colleagues now and in the future.
“Our job is to balance the competing demands of BT Group stakeholders, which requires careful management, especially in a difficult economic environment.
“The result of the CWU vote is disappointing, but we strive to maintain a connection between our customers and the country.”