Harmonisation proves a winner at VMO2 as healthcare benefits are extended to all employees

Telecoms & Financial Services, Virgin Media, VMO2 December 16 2022

The CWU has warmly welcomed Virgin Media O2’s announcement that healthcare benefits are being extended to cover all CWU-represented grade employees across the company.

Previously, the healthcare benefits were only available to everyone at former Virgin Media, and former Telefonica management grades.

Since Virgin Media and O2 joined forces last year, the union has consistently sought that terms and conditions across Virgin Media O2 should be offered equally, on a ‘levelling up’ rather than ‘levelling down’ basis.

This is now being put into practice, with employees across the business being able to access healthcare benefits for the first time.

Commenting on a move, which means that, from the start of the New Year, all employees will enjoy the same entitlements under a new Virgin Media O2 Healthcare & Flex benefits platform, CWU assistant secretary, Tracey Fussey, said: “Until now around 2,000 former O2 employees have never had access to healthcare.

“The CWU welcomes that this provision is being extended, and that, from January 1, everyone across Virgin Media O2 can take advantage of the high quality Healthcare Plan, accessing support and treatment when they need it.”

The national officer for Virgin Media O2 continues: “The way in which Virgin Media O2 has proactively engaged with the CWU while formulating its plans for this positive development is another very encouraging indicator of the constructive working relationship that is continuing to develop between the company and the union.

“That is certainly something we will be looking to build upon in the New Year,” Tracey concludes.