TV Licensing workers need respect, CWU warn BBC

November 11 2024

The Communication Workers Union have written to the BBC warning that TV Licensing (TVL) workers balloting for potential strikes are a “disrespected workforce”.

In a letter addressed to BBC Chief Customer Officer Kerris Bright, CWU Assistant Secretary Andy Furey wrote about the dispute, which is related to the real terms pay freeze that TVL workers are having forced on them at the insistence of their contractor, Capita.

The contractor was awarded the contract to do this vital work by the national broadcaster for the sum of £456 million over five years.

Capita bosses are demanding that these 500 workers be subjected to a pay freeze for 2024, with the pay date intended to be for 1^st April.

Bosses claim that the pay freeze is necessary, and that any raise is financially impossible.

However, as Furey says in the letter, Capita can “readily afford” a pay rise with reflects the cost of living, due to this “very lucrative” contract.

“Unfortunately”, as Furey continues, “the dogma from Capita has created this conflict, and this includes reneging on its previous commitment to pay our members, as a minimum, the Real Living Wage of £12 an hour.”

Furey also warned the BBC that as a result of this conduct, a “disrespected workforce” are suffering from low morale.

Furthermore, Furey points to the fact that former CEO Jon Lewis said in January 2024 that the company was going into the new year with “a robust balance sheet and an improved financial performance”.

He also added that “due to the attitude of Capita”, negotiations had broken down, and a ballot for industrial action is now proceeding.

Members were sent the ballot papers on Friday 8^th November, and the vote is set to close on Tuesday 3^rd December.