CWU warns TV licensing: 'Get serious on pay, or face more strikes'

14 November 2011

In an unprecedented move, hundreds of TV Licensing workers will strike for a third time later this week unless company chiefs engage in "meaningful negotiations" over pay, CWU warned today (Monday).

Capita, the company which operates the TV Licensing contract and makes over £1 million a day in profits, infuriated employees last year when it refused to raise pay and the current offer on the table - worth 2.6 to 2.7 per cent for higher grades - falls far short of inflation, which is over 5 per cent and rising. Staff across Capita have never been involved in strike action which has lasted this long, and for many it's the first time they have ever been involved in strike action.

Andy Furey, CWU assistant secretary, said: "We will remain resolute in the face of Capita's stubbornness.

"Capita staff are low-paid - many earning just above minimum wage - and they deserve a decent pay rise from a successful company that makes £1 million a day in profits. Capita seems obsessed with it's share price but it's time our members got their fair share of the success they create for this FTSE 100 company.

"These workers are not militant, for many it's the first time they've ever been on strike. We're stepping into unchartered waters with unprecedented levels of strike action. But we won't let these workers be bullied and suppressed by a fat cat company.

"Refusing to return to the negotiating table and negotiate a fair and decent pay rise for its employees is unbelievably bullish. We can resolve this by negotiating a fair rise, but only if Capita return to talks.

"With inflation at nearly double the level of the pay offer, it's no wonder so many of our members have described the offer as a pay cut rather than a rise."

Unless the company agrees to new talks, the end of the week will see further nationwide strikes, with field officers halting work 4pm until 9pm on Thursday 17th November and then their workmates in Bristol, Darwen and Glasgow will walk out the following day, Friday.

Picket lines Friday 18th November:

Bristol: 7:30 - 10:30am 100 Temple Street, Bristol, BS98 1TL
Darwen: 7:30 - 10:30am India Mill, Bolton Road, Darwen, BB3 1YX

Notes:

Capita staff working on the BBC TV licensing contract haven't had a pay rise for almost two years. They rejected the original offer from Capita by 88 per cent in a consultative ballot.

Staff have already staged two walkouts - on 17th and 31st October. More than 500 TVL workers will take strike action again this week unless Capita management return to pay negotiations.

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