Ballot on ntl: recognition

Staff in ntl:'s Field Operations Division are currently voting in a ballot on BECTU recognition.

The outcome of the ballot will decide whether BECTU continues to provide collective representation for this group of staff in the company.

Earlier this year ntl: sold its broadcasting arm, which operates TV and other transmitters, to Australian bank Macquarie, who renamed it "Arqiva" in June.

Shortly after the sale was completed in February 2005, ntl: gave notice that it planned to terminate BECTU's recognition agreement in its Field Operations Division, which is associated with the company's cable services and was not part of the sale to Macquarie.

Talks at ACAS followed which resulted in an agreement between management and union to give staff (known inside the company as associates) a say in the future of the recognition agreement.

The ballot, which is being conducted by Electoral Reform Services runs from 1 August to 22 August.

"This is a crucial decision for ntl staff and we are doing all we can to encourage maximum participation in the vote," said BECTU supervisory official Sharon Elliot.

"Union recognition is a right which is hard-fought for," she continued, "and we hope that staff generally in Field Operations will recognise the importance of having a recognition agreement in place whether individuals choose at this time to be BECTU members or not".

Any ntl: staff in the division with queries about the ballot can contact BECTU head office on 0207 346 0900 or email [email protected]