BT & Openreach - Strike FAQs

Many of you may be nervous, anxious and worried about what taking industrial action looks like. Below are some FAQs relating to the upcoming strike dates. 

1. Now that the ballot is done, should I take industrial action?

   Yes, it is vitally important that all members take action.  The ballot results were an opening message to BT & Openreach but they have chosen to not to come back in to talks. We must now follow up the ballot results with real action, send a louder message that just imposing £1,500 is far from good enough. It is the workforce that create the profits that the BT Board and Shareholders have enjoyed and not shared. If we stand together we will win.
    

2. Can the company stop me from taking industrial action?

   No they cannot. BT & Openreach may try to isolate or intimidate groups of workers or individuals to encourage them not to take strike action.  Intimidation or discouragement may come in many forms, such as managers requesting one to one meetings to ask you whether you’ll be striking or making suggestions about things that may happen if you go on strike.  Making empty threats is intended to try to stop you taking strike action. You should report any incidences of threats (overt or otherwise) by managers to your local branch who will deal with this on your behalf. The best way to win is standing together and taking collective action.
    

3. Do I have to notify my employer in advance that I intend taking strike Action?

   No – if you are asked you should reply: "My union has advised me that I am not required to let you know my intentions prior to the start of any industrial action."
    

4. What is the aim of the industrial action?

   Firstly, in terms of pay, the aim is a deal that addresses the real financial needs of CWU members.  This means a pay rise that mitigates the current cost of living.   £1500 comes nowhere near the current inflation figures for anyone, it is simply not enough.   Placing a figure on this is difficult due to the broad range of salaries in BT & Openreach.   

    

   Secondly, in terms of imposition, BT & Openreach cannot be allowed to get away with doing whatever they want to CWU members (pay or otherwise). Union members need to make certain that these employers do not continue to impose their will without them having any say first. This action is as much about the future as it is about the present.
    

5. What are the current strike dates?
   29th of July and the 1st of August 2022
    
6. What does taking strike action mean?
   Strike action means not doing any work for all of the days specified by your trade union (CWU). In short, if its work related, do not do it. 
    
7. Can I be dismised for taking Industrial Action?

   You can’t be dismissed for industrial action if:

   ~ it’s called as a result of a properly organised ballot 
   ~ it’s about a trade dispute between workers and their employer (eg about your terms and conditions)
   ~ a detailed notice about the industrial action (which is legally required) has been given to the employer at least 7 days before it begins
   
   Your trade Union, the CWU has complied with the above points. 
    

8. I’m not a CWU member – can I support the strike (and have the same protections as a paid up member?).

   YES, BT & Openreach workers (who are not CWU members) in grades covered by this dispute, can participate in official industrial (strike) action.  BT cannot discriminate between members and non-members taking lawful industrial action.  It would be better if everyone taking action signed up was a member of the union as CWU Members have the right to full representation in the event of any issues that may arise.
    

9. What happens on days of Industrial Action?
   Various pickets lines will be set up across the Branch area at selected places of work. You can attend these to show solidarity with your fellow workers. It is likely picket lines will rotate people due to the legal limitations on the numbers of people allowed at a picket line. 
    
10. I park my work vehicle at home what can i do?
    You can join a picket line at your local store hub or the building you are badged to. 
     
11. Why picket?
    The picket line is a key tool in making strike action effective. The strength and size of pickets show management, the public, the press and our colleagues how determined the CWU is to win the dispute. 
     
12. Do you sign on for work at the start of day?
    No, you do not need to sign on for work. 
     

13. I am a BT/Openreach employee who works on EE sites. What do I do if I’m asked to take action by the CWU?

    BT & Openreach members can take part in any official strike action wherever they are working.
     

14. I am a night worker, working a 12 hour shift - do I recommence work at 00:01?

    If youre a night worker and your shift starts on a non strike day, you finish that shift. If your shift starts on a strike day, you do not complete any of that shift. 
    
    What if I’m a trainee or have less than two years’ service?

15. As a trainee or someone with less service you have the same rights as every other employee with regards to strike action, and are covered under the same legislation. Any strike days, will however postpone the attainment of any necessary qualifying period (for example taking two strike days may delay the qualifying period by two days.)  
     

16. Im on RDO (Rostered day off) what do I do?
    Although its unlikely you will be able to move your day to make this an official strike day. You can attend the picket lines to show your support for your colleagues who have. 
     
17. I have annual leave booked, what can I do?
    If your annual leave is essential you should take it as planned. If your leave is not essential you may wish to move it so that you can participate in the action alongside colleagues.
     

18. Can I take industrial action if I am on sickness absence? 

    Industrial action consisting of a strike is a call to stop working.  If a member is on sick leave, they are not working and are not being called to take industrial action.
     

19. If I am on maternity/paternity/adoption leave can I take industrial action?

    Industrial action consisting of a strike is a call to stop working.  If a member is on maternity/paternity/ adoptive leave, they are not working and are not being called to take industrial action.
     

20. I am part-time, will I only lose pay for the hours I should have worked? 

    The amount that should be deducted is the amount payable for the hours that were due to be worked on the day of the strike.  
     

21. Can I take action short of a strike?

    No, Union members & representatives should not engage in any action short of a strike, this could be deemed unlawful as the ballot was for strike action only.

If your concern/question isnt above, please email us at theunion@cwuslsnh.org