The CWU negotiating team, led by Andy Kerr, Deputy General Secretary, met with BT yesterday to open talks on this year’s annual pay review for all NewGrid Team Member grades in advance of the 1st January review date.
The CWU presented its case for a fully consolidated settlement which is above RPI inflation for all grades and flows through to all allowances and the pay and pension supplement.
The CWU team put forward a number of arguments in support of the pay claim, including:
BT’s latest 12 month performance results showing pre-tax profits up 14.52% to £3,029m and revenue up by 5.9%. In addition its second quarter results showing pre-tax profits up by 5% to £671m.
BT is in a strong position in the market, with good take-up of fibre broadband, BT sport and now mobile services through the acquisition of EE.
The considerable contribution made by CWU represented employees to BT’s strong market position.
Andy Kerr made it very clear the CWU believes an inflation-plus rise is affordable and justified given BT’s current performance and the contribution made by CWU members to BT’s success in a highly competitive environment.
Negotiations this year will however be tough due to the uncertainty caused by events such as the impending outcome of the Digital Communications Review and the future of Openreach; the future of the UK in Europe which may impact on revenues and the growing pension’s deficit.
A series of pay meetings has been arranged with BT over the coming weeks and the CWU branches and members will be kept informed of progress.
Please send us your views and questions to BTpay@cwu.org