Union bosses recommend BT workers accept new £1,500 pay rise offer following strike action

Union bosses representing BT workers in industrial action over pay have recommended that a new offer be accepted in a bid to settle the dispute.

Bosses have agreed a new deal with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) which is set to go before workers in a new consultative ballot.

The agreement would result in a £1,500 flat rate, fully consolidated pay increase for all members BT plc, EE Ltd and Openreach Ltd.

The CWU say the agreement equates to a permanent increase of £3,000 with a further review in September 2023.

In an announcement to members, union bosses agreed to recommend the deal “with the strong view that it is the maximum that can be achieved by negotiation leveraged by your industrial action”.

It comes after workers from BT and Openreach, including 999 handlers, carried out strike action as part of the dispute, which the union say “forced” the company to renegotiate.

The consultative ballot is set to be concluded by Christmas.

In a statement the union said: “Make no mistake, your significant sacrifice in taking strike action, making a stand against BT and objecting to their original imposed pay rise in April ultimately forced BT back around the negotiating table.

“Without this, there would be no further pay increase. At best some people on lower pay may have received an imposed one-off cost of living payment in December. The case was made, and won, for a consolidated pay rise; consolidation being hugely important as it means it is paid again and again, unlike a one-off payment which does not increase your actual pay.

“Finally, you have every reason to be proud of what your perseverance and determination has achieved. Your continued support for campaigns and your solidarity is vitally important. Please make sure you vote in the forthcoming consultative ballot so that you have the final say on the proposed agreement.”