First strike since 1987 as 40,000 BT and Openreach members prepare to walk out at the end of July for two days.
The time has arrived for members to back your decision, back each other and back your Union. The effects of the ballot result are already being seen by the actions being taken, such as restricting access to some on-line tools. The company is effectively putting up the “SHOP CLOSED” sign on the door by shutting down the order books for the next few days. Please do is not attend any shift commencing in the periods 00:00 -23:59 29th July and 00:00-23:59 1st August. You do not need to inform anyone of your intention prior to, or do not need to answer any phone calls of emails within, these times. The CWU have given formal notification of your absence.
Latest Rallying Video, Monday 25th July, following BT’s refusal to talk to the union on any level.
Following the rejection by Philip Jansen and the BT Board to enter in to meaningful negotiations, notice has been served by the union on the company for strike action to be held on Friday 29th July and Monday 1st August.
According to General Secretary, Dave Ward, the companies position of an imposition of a pay deal and without giving members the opportunity to accept or reject the companies offer, is unsustainable.
Shareholders have received over £700M, representing nearly 60% of the £1.3B profits in the form of dividends.
On top of this, Philip Jansen, who received a 32% pay rise last year, taking his package to £3.5m including bonuses and share awards, has said the company cannot afford to give its staff an improved, indexed linked pay rise, even after increasing consumer prices by around 10%.
BT can stop this strike action from taking place if they agree to return to the table and accept the CWU’s request for negotiations.
