ntl: staff want fairer pay structure

A BECTU survey of members at ntl reveals that over two thirds are worried about pay differentials.

The survey was run by the union after ntl signed a new recognition agreement earlier this year. Union officials are hoping to put the concerns of ntl staff directly to the company's management.

Significantly, ntl members seem to be more concerned about fairness of pay than either long working hours or overtime rates, which were thought to be problems by 40% of those surveyed.

Results of the survey are being mailed to ntl staff over the next week, with an invitation to join BECTU.

Joining information


Letter being sent to ntl staff:

October 2000

For the attention of all ntl: associates, Networks Division

Dear Colleague

Earlier this year BECTU, the broadcasting industry's leading trade union secured a recognition agreement with ntl: which now allows BECTU to represent your interests.

In response to this major development, the union offered associates within Networks the opportunity to air their views on the issues most important to them. A summary of the results of the survey is as follows:

Pay

  • 69% of respondents believe that pay comparability with colleagues is a major issue;
  • 55% of respondents want to see a more transparent grading structure;
  • 56% of respondents believe the company needs to pay more attention to pay for work of equal value.

Conditions of Employment

Staff want improvements in these key areas:

  • working hours (39%)
  • overtime rates (39%)
  • holiday entitlement (26%)
  • night pay (19)

Health and Safety

  • 62% of respondents reported general satisfaction with their health and safety and welfare.

Training

  • When asked whether they believed they were provided with enough training to undertake duties to their satisfaction and to be able to keep up with new technology, 53% of respondents replied no, compared to 46% who replied yes.

Profile of Respondents

  • 79% of respondents were male
  • 21% were female
  • 31% had 2-5 years service
  • 25% had 6-10 years service
The feedback on the survey clearly identifies the issues of importance to you and your colleagues in Networks. BECTU is shortly to open pay talks with the company so the campaign can begin.

However, there is no question that you can make a difference to the speed of progress. The more members we represent the more persuasive we can be.

We need you to join BECTU. And you need to join now.

BECTU has a long-standing reputation in the industry as a campaigner for staff rights and for improvements to conditions of employment. In fulfilling our responsibilities to promote and protect the interests of staff, we engage constructively with the employers with whom we deal.

BECTU has a lot to offer you. It is clear that staff have real issues which they want us to pursue through talks with management. Join BECTU and you get the service of officials available to assist and advise you when you need it.

The union's legal services are second-to-none and can offer assistance on work-related issues as well as those outside work. Injury at work? Discrimination? Matrimonial? Wills? (free to members) You can access advice through our lawyers.

You and your colleagues have concerns which only BECTU can provide representation on. No other forum is charged with the responsibilities we have to represent you - join us today to set the ball rolling. Please complete the enclosed application form.

If you have any queries at all do contact me on 020 7437 8506 or by email to [email protected]

Yours sincerely

David Beevers
National Official

18 October 2000