LTB 319/17 – OPENREACH – Infrastructure Delivery Multi Skilled Jointer (MSJ)

No. 319/2017 Ref: DB/ML Date: 12 June 2017

TO ALL BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS IN BT

Dear Colleague

OPENREACH – Infrastructure Delivery Multi Skilled Jointer (MSJ)

Further to the contents of LTB 225/2017 and 263/2017 please find attached a letter from Openreach which seeks to clarify a number of points regarding the introduction of the higher pay point.

The National Team (NT) have sought to ensure that the position is now clear with regards to the skills mix required to attain the higher pay point as there had been some confusion caused by incorrect interpretations by some operational managers. We have now agreed that 3 of the 4 skills would be the trigger for movement, on the understanding that the 4th skill would be trained in the future and the individual would be expected to undertake all the work. The 4 broad skills are:

  • Copper D-side jointing
  • Copper E-Side jointing
  • Fibre jointing
  • FTTP L2C Stage 1 (with the testing skills and requirement to climb)

There is currently a trial taking place regarding a FTTP L2C combined visit whereby the ID engineer will do both the Step 1 and 2 elements. Openreach have agreed to a review of this role if the trial proves successful and it becomes a proposed way of working.

Please also find attached the appropriate job description.

The correspondence confirms that 155 individuals (from a TMNE2 population in ID of 387) will qualify for the higher pay point and this will be backdated to 1st April 2017. The NT will continue to discuss the Upskilling programme within ID with a view to ensuring that in line with the commitments given as part of the Career Pathways discussions, development opportunities are available for our members who currently do not carry out the required skills mix.

Openreach have also confirmed that they acknowledge that someone may have been overlooked and they will review those on a case by case basis should anyone raise an issue. Members can, of course, seek the support of the CWU at local level in the first instance should those circumstances arise.

The NT are now concentrating on discussions within Service Delivery regarding the Network Solutions roles with a view to concluding those as quickly as possible and in the same manner as previously.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be sent to my office in the first instance.

Yours sincerely

DAVIE BOWMAN
Assistant Secretary

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