Preparing for recognition at EE

Telecoms & Financial Services September 24 2018

Excitement and anticipation was tangible as lead reps from the six EE call centre sites at the centre of the CWU’s fast-moving campaign for recognition met in Wimbledon last Thursday (September 20) to discuss the roadmap to and beyond the achievement of full collective bargaining rights.

With the BT-owned mobile giant publicly committed to talks that are expected to lead to the signing of a voluntary recognition agreement by Christmas, the first ever national meeting of EE reps at CWU Headquarters was an upbeat affair.

With membership levels at the company soaring on the back of a turbo-charged organising and recruitment drive, reps from North Tyneside, Darlington, Doxford, Merthyr Tydfil, Plymouth and Greenock discussed further initiatives to maximise membership and develop both local and national representative structures so the union can hit the ground running once recognition is achieved.

“Now that we’re about to enter detailed negotiations with BT about what the voluntary recognition agreement covering EE’s call centre environment will look like, the logical next step was getting together the lead reps from the nine buildings in six locations where our members are based to discuss their expectations of recognition and the main issues they want the union to start addressing once the ink on the recognition agreement is dry,” explains assistant secretary John East.

“Some of the reps had never previously met each other – indeed some had never previously been to CWU Headquarters – so it was invaluable getting everyone together in one place so we can start to move beyond taking up individual issues in individual workplaces and towards tackling common issues at a national level in a concerted drive to make EE a better place to work in than it is at present.

“Already it’s become clear that many of the biggest issues that members want tackling in EE are common to all sites – and what was really exciting about yesterday’s meeting was the extent to which all the reps present were brimming with ideas to get cracking on the task that lies ahead to find workable solutions to the concerns of their members.”

Deputy general secretary Andy Kerr, who played a full role in the all-day meeting, admitted he too had been “blown away” by the positivity and enthusiasm of the reps, all of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to attend the meeting in defiance of Storm Ali.

“It’s fantastic to see that we have such a great group of lead reps in EE – something that speaks volumes for the quality of our local organisation in the company even before the more detailed representative structures we’ll need once recognition is achieved are fully worked out,” stressed Andy.

“The feedback they provided about the key issues they believe the CWU needs to start addressing in EE was not just invaluable, but also something of an eye-opener – and I look forward to working closely with them in the future to help them achieve the positive changes in the workplace environment that their local members are craving to see.”

Voice of the grass roots

Shona Lament, Greenock

“Recognition in EE will be a huge step forward and is long, long overdue. It will be an absolutely massive change;  employees who have never before had an opportunity to openly voice their opinion and have their concerns heard will finally be able to do so with the backing and protection of CWU.

“I believe it will make an enormous difference to staff in all the Centres who, for far too long, have had no meaningful input surrounding decisions taken or practices imposed upon them by EE .We have a fab team of employees who are totally determined to improve our workplace and create a happier environment for us all.”

Paul Elsmore, Plymouth

“Recognition is important in any workplace as people want a voice and for that voice to be heard. I’m hoping that recognition at EE will achieve a fairer and more equitable workplace that is beneficial to everyone. There are certainly a whole host of issues that need to be addressed.”

Gemma Hughes, Merthyr Tydfil

“I think recognition is important so that everyone has a fair say on the processes, policies and the working environment so they feel happy coming into work. My hope would be that the end result is that the issues that need addressing are resolved and everyone is happier in work, as well as feeling more able to speak to their rep than some people are at the moment.”

Louise Short, North Tyneside Building 2

“Recognition is important to give EE employees a voice to be heard and a say in how things affect them. My hope is recognition will achieve that balance to the oft used phrase ‘business needs’, leading to a fairer, better happier working environment that will benefit both sides.”

David Campbell, Doxford

“I want CWU recognition across EE so that our workforce has a say in the working conditions and policies we have to adhere too. We all want to work in an environment that gives us a strong voice and fair balance to build a working environment we can all be proud of. Only union recognition can deliver that.”

George Bolton: North Tyneside Building 1

“Having a recognised union isn’t just about pay. Recognition gives the union the ability to affect everything about work: shifts, targets, holiday allocation, bonuses, wellbeing, safety, catering, even the chairs you’re sitting on.”

Mel Wilson, Darlington Nexus

“Union recognition should be an integral part of any company.
Workers need to feel valued, represented and empowered.
We should not feel unable to voice our concerns & being part of the CWU means that you can be an active voice within EE to work alongside management to create a better environment and more harmonious way of working.”

Jonathan Pearson, Darlington Astral

“Within work it is great to have a recognised union – not only for pay rises or to have someone to represent you in meetings, but to have a larger voice within a company with regards to targets, shifts, holidays, bonus and a lot more besides. Being part of the union gives you extra value within the company. Not only does the union help with everything mentioned above, but it can even help with the equipment you work with every day, computers, chairs headsets, everything!”

Helen Moxon-McEwan, Darlington Global

“Recognition is important as it will give EE employees a united voice which is loud enough to finally be heard and no longer ignored. My hope is that Recognition will give all Employees fair and equal terms and conditions in comparison to our BT colleagues and that it will open more doors for discussions and bargaining on the topics closest to EE employees’ hearts.”