Wilson James members accept 3.75%

Almost nine out of ten BECTU members employed by security contractor Wilson James have accepted this year's pay rise.

Acceptance of an improved two-year pay deal in a postal ballot has averted industrial action at the company, which provides security staff for BBC buildings in London and Scotland.

Staff can now expect a 3.75% rise immediately, followed by an increase equal to inflation in January 2005 which will run until the beginning of 2006.

Negotiators had rejected earlier offers of 2%, improved to 2.5%, and threatened an industrial action ballot. At one stage Wilson James cut the offer to 1.5%, but added an additional £25 per month payment to staff with more than 12 months service.

This interim offer was turned down because it fell below inflation, and could have been abused by local managers. Members, particularly in West London, also felt that an increase constructed on length of service could be discriminatory. BECTU hopes to continue discussions with the company about reward for long service outside the pay talks.

In the postal ballot 89% of members voting accepted the two-year pay deal.