“We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be re-opening the 2022 pay review”
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) issued notice to BT on 22nd September 2022, of 4 one-day strikes in October.
- Thursday 6th October 2022
- Monday 10th October 2022
- Thursday 20th October 2022
- Monday 24th October 2022
The strike is over pay and conditions. Which has already seen 2 two-day strikes over the past two months.
However, this round of strikes is different. This time around we will see hundreds of BT 999 call operators take part.
BT’s staff answer 999 calls, Which is reported to be 90,000 calls every day.
BT has six call centres to handle all the UK’s 999 calls in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, passing calls to the relevant emergency service.
Up to now, the CWU had agreed to keep 999 services untouched.
A Communication Workers Union spokesperson said: “Bosses are forcing real-terms pay cuts on 999 operators who are being kept up at night worrying about the bills and how they’ll have to choose between heating and eating. Does that sound like a functioning emergency service that can be at its best?”
BT Press Officer release a statement:
“We are profoundly disappointed that the CWU is prepared to take this reckless course of action by including 999 services in strikes.
“We will do whatever it takes to protect 999 services – redeploying our people to the most important priority is a normal part of BT Group operations.”
“We made the best pay award we could in April and we have held discussions with the CWU to find a way forward from here. In the meantime, we will continue to work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected”.
“BT Group awarded a fully consolidated pay increase to its Team members and frontline colleagues of £1,500. This represents a pay rise of around 5% on average and 8% for the lowest paid and it was effective from 1 April 2022.”
A BT spokesperson also said:
“We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be re-opening the 2022 pay review”
A Communication Workers Union spokesperson also said: “BT’s CEO, Philip Jansen, has flat out refused to negotiate pay with us, and he hasn’t changed his position”.
CWU members would like to see other measures introduced alongside strikes, such as work to rule.
A Communication Workers Union spokesperson said:
“The decision about a work-to-rule will be discussed by branches and determined at an executive level.”
Image – BT
Jake Brewer 
Lewis Henley-Francis