Thousands of BT workers will strike in a dispute over pay
(Picture: BT/PA Media)The union that represents BT's frontline employees, the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), announced the start of a new round of strike action last week - and, for the first time, 999 emergency call handlers are participating in the walkouts.
The union is contesting a £1,500 pay increase that BT Group offered to 58,000 frontline employees, including engineers, call-centre agents, and retail employees earlier this year. This increase amounted to an average 4.8 per cent wage increase at a time when inflation is close to 10 per cent.
Speaking to the Standard, Jansen said: “I respect their views. But we have offered the biggest pay rise for 20 years. I think it is fair and affordable, it compares really well with almost any company. It compares well with the public sector, with doctors and nurses. I think it is really sad, I’m disappointed.”
Here’s everything we know about the BT strikes.
When are the BT strikes and who is taking part?
BT workers are striking on Monday, October 10, Thursday, October 20, and Monday, October 24.
The walkout is set to include emergency 999 call operators and the thousands of Openreach engineers and BT call-centre workers who have taken action in previous months.
The first BT national strikes in 35 years took place earlier this year, on Friday, July 29, and Monday, August 1, 2022. This was the first BT strike since 1987. The CWU says its staff kept the nation connected during the pandemic and that they deserve better.
The CWU originally agreed to exempt 999 staff from the strike action - but had changed its position after “widespread outrage at the company’s refusal to negotiate”.
Profits at BT fell 10 per cent to £482 million for the period, suggesting the company is being affected by inflation as well as its 83,000 UK staff.
Up to 28,000 engineers, who maintain the UK’s broadband network, as well as 9,000 call centre workers, are expected to go on strike, causing disruptions to broadband installations, repairs, and customer inquiries.
The union said it expected 400 workers employed as 999 emergency call handlers would also take part.
BT said it would “do whatever it takes to protect 999 services” by moving staff to cover emergency calls.
CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “BT Group are now gaslighting our members.
“Announcing hundreds of millions of pounds in profit on the eve of the first national strike since 1987 smacks of arrogance and complete contempt for frontline workers.
“BT workers have hundreds of picket lines arranged across the UK tomorrow, and will support the CWU in delivering mass strike action.”
It added: “This dispute sits squarely at the feet of Philip Jansen. He represents everything that needs to change about big business in Britain.”
BT said it engaged in “exhaustive discussions” with the union, before finally deciding on a £1,500 payment which is said is its “highest pay award in more than 20 years” for workers.
“We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be reopening the 2022 pay review, having already made the best award we could,” a statement said.
“While we respect the choice of our colleagues who are CWU members to strike, we will work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected.”
