GMG industrial action ballot

Union members across the four ITV stations owned by Granada Media Group (GMG) are to be balloted for industrial action following the break-down of pay negotiations.

The unions (BECTU, NUJ and AEEU) do not believe constructive pay negotiations have taken place, with GMG making one pay offer and then writing to staff inviting them to sign up individually to the proposed two year pay deal of inflation plus half a per cent.

The unions have asked for an increase of 11% and firm guarantees on job security, including the offer of permanent employment for those who have been on contract for two years or more.

GMG owns four UK ITV companies: Granada, Tyne-Tees, Yorkshire and LWT (London Weekend Television).

The unions believe their demands are fair because:

• GMG announced on 25 November overall profits had increased by 13% to £735 million.

• The ITC has reduced the cost of licences for Yorkshire and Tyne-Tees on average by more than £35 million per year.

• The annual report shows inflation-busting increases in packages offered to company directors.

• Due to the cessation of the performance related pay scheme members will, if they accept the current offer, once again receive a cut in earnings in 1999.

• Other ITV Companies with substantially less revenue than Granada are agreeing with the unions that contract staff should be made permanent and have further agreed to moratoriums on compulsory redundancies.

The unions are urging GMG members to vote yes in the ballot to give the union a mandate to campaign for fair pay, job security and family friendly policies. The ballot closes on Tuesday 2 February.

On the following day the unions will be lobbying the GMG Annual General Meeting from 0930 onwards at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.