BT calls on union to re-open strike talks

BT has today called on the Communication Workers Union (CWU) to re-open negotiation talks, as the union begins balloting members on strike action over pay.

CWU has previously demanded a pay rise of 5%, but a spokesperson for the union said today that although it believes workers are worth a 5% pay increase it remains open for discussions of any improved pay deal BT has to offer.

He said: ‘At the moment BT are just repeating the same old offer, if they improve it we’ll consider it’.

A BT spokesperson said: ‘We are surprised by the union telling the media they are willing to compromise on their 5% claim. At no stage have they formally put forward an alternative proposal.

‘Given this, we call on the union to postpone the ballot and return to formal discussions with the company’, he added.

CWU despatched ballot papers today after failing to agree a pay deal with the telecoms company last week.

The union claims a pay rise of 2% is unacceptable when the company has made profits of over £1bn and paid senior executives millions of pounds in bonuses.

Andy Kerr, deputy general secretary, said the union is confident members will vote yes in this ballot, despite the scare tactics used by the company.

He said: ‘We are amazed at the aggressive attitude of BT bosses in the face of blatant double standards.’

‘The company’s claim that a 5% pay rise for staff would lead to cutting back and making redundancies is an unbelievable fat-cat excuse - it would cost 3.6% of available cash flow, hardly breaking the bank’.

Kerr added: ‘We of course remain open to meeting BT to discuss any improved offer on pay for this year’.

If a strike goes ahead it would be the first national strike in BT since 1987. The ballot will close on 5 July.