Vote 'yes' to BT pay deal, members urged
21st July 2010
Ballot papers are today (July 21) being dispatched to NewGRID grade members across BT, with the CWU's Telecoms & Financial Services Executive wholeheartedly recommending acceptance BT's final pay offer.
If the offer is accepted, the first phase of the pay rise - which equates to 9.3 per cent over three years - will be implemented in August salaries.
The ballot will close following the first post on Thursday August 5, By then the CWU negotiating team hopes members will have expressed en-masse a view on a deal which the CWU believes represents a huge improvement on the company's earlier position and delivers an important period of stability in economically uncertain times.
"It's vitally important that members participate
in this ballot en-masse," stresses deputy general secretary
Andy Kerr. "It was the resolute show of
support that members gave to the CWU's pay claim that
ultimately forced BT back to the negotiating table, and members
should be aware that the deal only becomes effective once it has
been accepted in this consultative ballot.
"As normal, provision has been made for members to cast their vote in a postal ballot, but in an attempt to secure the largest possible turnout we are also providing the opportunity for members to vote in this consultative ballot online."
Full details of the deal will be included with the ballot paper, and a detailed report on how the union secured the improved offer following the most bitter and entrenched pay dispute in BT in decades can be read in the Voice here.
Andy concludes: "Following the first national ballot for strike action in BT since 1987, this is a good deal for our members providing a market leading pay rise in their basic pay this year and pay rises aligned with current inflation forecasts for the following two years. Crucially, it is fully consolidated and pensionable - something the company had steadfastly sought to avoid in months of earlier negotiations.
"This deal is among the highest pay settlements in the country this year, recognising the contribution of staff to BT's success over the last year - and I wholeheartedly commend it to members."
