BT workers to vote on industrial action in row

BT WORKERS are to vote on industrial action in a row over jobs, threatening the first national strike at the communications giant in more than 30 years.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said 45,000 of its members in BT, Openreach and EE will be balloted, warning a yes vote would have a “massive impact” on the network.

The dispute over compulsory redundancies and the closure of sites, has been running for over a year.

CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said: “This is a decision we did not want to take. Last year, our members delivered a huge yes vote in a consultative ballot, but BT Group are still in denial.

“We want to assure businesses and the public that we do not want to see disruptions to services. This action is about protecting our members, but also it is about protecting the service they provide to homes and businesses.

“My message to BT Group is that our door is still open, and we want to resolve this dispute, but this will require a huge shift in attitude from the company.

“My message to our members is to continue supporting their union and prepare to deliver a massive ‘yes’ vote.”

A BT spokesman said: “We’re disappointed that CWU is contemplating industrial action, though the union has not started the formal industrial action process. We remain committed to discussing the concerns they have raised.

“BT needs to go through a period of immense change and investment to modernise itself for the future.

“Once complete, we will have a much simpler operating model with fewer people and we’ll be better able to serve our customers. Such change is always difficult – that’s why we have been discussing our plans with the unions and will continue to do so.”