TV License Strike Looms as Workers Reject Pay Freeze
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION
3/12/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TV LICENCE STRIKE LOOMS AS WORKERS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY FOR STRIKE ACTION
Strike action by TV Licence (TVL) workers may be on the cards, as union members have voted to strike against an “out-of-touch” management.
In the ballot result announced today (3rd December), 96.63% of workers contracted through Capita to work for TVL voted ‘yes” to take strike action, with 98.65% voting for action short of a strike.
Capita was re-awarded the contract for this work by the national broadcaster for the sum of £456 million over five years.
Capita bosses are demanding that 500 workers be subjected to a pay freeze for 2024, with the pay date intended to be for 1st April.
Bosses claim that the pay freeze is necessary, and that any raise is financially challenging.
This is despite former CEO Jon Lewis stating in January 2024 that the company was entering the new year with a “robust balance sheet” and an “improved financial performance”.
The union had previously warned that the workforce felt disrespected and suffered from low morale as a result of the decision.
Negotiations between workers’ representatives and Capita management had broken down before the commencement of this ballot.
Commenting on the result, CWU Assistant Secretary Andy Furey said: “Our Capita TVL members have emphatically rejected the unreasonable pay freeze position that has been imposed upon them by an employer who is evidently out-of-touch with the stark realities of the cost of living.
“Talks at Acas are planned for Thursday, and we would hope that Capita come to this meeting prepared to make a realistic offer to avoid action by our members.
“The CWU’s aim is to find a way forward without recourse to industrial action.
“However, if Capita remain obdurate, they would be underestimating the determination of our members to secure a fair outcome.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact CWU Press Officer Marcus Barnett at mbarnett@cwu.org.