BT GROUP workers will hold a two-day national strike against real-terms pay cuts, affecting union members on the Isle of Wight.

The announcement followed a strike ballot, in which Openreach engineers voted for action by 95.9 per cent and members in BT returned a 91.5 per cent majority for the walkout.

Strike action has been planned for Friday, July 29 and Monday, August 1.
The dispute centres on workers opposing the imposition by the business of a far-below-inflation, flat rate £1,500pa pay settlement on employees.

There were also concerns over BT making £1.3 billion in annual profit, with CEO Philip Jansen gaining a £3.5 million pay package – a 32 per cent wage increase.

These members look after the vast majority of Britain’s telecoms infrastructure, including the Island, from mobile phone connection, broadband internet and backup generators to national health systems, cyber security and data centres.

Strike action is also likely to have a serious effect on the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband and may cause significant issues for those working from home.

Dave Ward, Communications Union general secretary, said: “For the first time since 1987, strike action will now commence at BT Group.

“This is not a case of an employer refusing to meet a union’s demands – this is about an employer refusing to meet us whatsoever.

“The serious disruption this strike may cause is entirely down to Philip Jansen and his friends, who have chosen to stick two fingers up to their own workforce.”

“BT Group workers are saying: enough is enough. We are not going to stop until we win.”

Over 40,000 BT Group workers will take part in the two-day strike.