Odeon staff reject 2.1% pay offer

Members at Odeon have voted by an overwhelmingly majority to reject the company’s proposed pay review for 2008.

The company’s offer, which was pegged to the Consumer Price Index, was in reply to BECTU’s claim for an increase of 4.6%, based on RPI (October 2007 figure) plus 0.5%. BECTU is also seeking a reduction in working hours from the current 40 per week to 39 per week.

National official, Lou George said: "This was an emphatic rejection by 95% of the balloted membership who believe that a 2.1% increase in no way reflects either the current cost of living or recognition of the hard work undertaken by employees on behalf of the company."

BECTU negotiators will resume talks with the company in the hope that agreement can be reached on the review without the need for a formal dispute. The Odeon anniversary date is 1 January.