Pay negotiations commenced with Capita TVL

Capita January 24 2020

Despite no formal pay offer being tabled by Capita TVL chiefs at a negotiating session earlier this week, CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey reports that “there were some encouraging signs” during the discussions.

“We would naturally have preferred to receive a formal pay offer, however, Capita TVL’s explanation and rationale is understood in regard to Capita Group’s financial year-end date meaning they would prefer a pay date of April 1st in the future rather than January 1st which has traditionally been our pay settlement date,” he explains.

In response to the union’s concerns, Capita TVL has given its assurance that there will be no financial detriment to our members if the pay date is moved via a 15-month pay agreement.

The CWU side was initially reluctant to embrace the prospect of changing the pay settlement date, particularly if this disadvantages members. However, the company’s negotiating team – made up of partnership director Paul Johnston, chief operating officer Alison Roberts and HR business partner Kirsty Holden – undertook to ensure that a 15-month pay offer would have the full value taking into account January, February and March 2021.

“In simple terms, the union would not accept a 12-month pay settlement spread over 15 months,” says Andy.

Accompanying Andy in the talks were postal executive member Andy Hopping and policy advisor Lorna Pearson, and, he says that “our focus was primarily on presenting our pay claim and to fully explain the thinking behind its various components. The claim is progressive and includes a key area of improving pensions and work-life balance for our members”

After the presentation, the company posed questions and sought clarity on several points, and at the end of the meeting, Andy expressed the union’s disappointment at the absence of a pay offer, but both sides agreed to schedule further meetings over the coming weeks.

“Although we had hoped for an early resolution, on reflection, if they do keep to their word on making sure that a 15-month pay deal is financially beneficial to our members, then this could turn out to be a positive development, assuming the value of the overall offer is attractive” said Andy afterwards.