Success in ntl: ballot

Staff in ntl:'s Field Operations Division have voted by a margin of almost 9:1 for BECTU recognition to continue.

The result also means that BECTU have met the additional criteria agreed with ntl: that 33% of the total electorate should vote 'yes' and therefore the existing union recognition agreement will now continue.

ntl: had originally given the union notice that it intended to terminate the recognition agreement. However, after talks at ACAS, it was agreed that the 1,300 staff working in ntl:'s COBI Field Operations Division should be allowed to decide whether or not they retained union recognition.

BECTU National Official Nigel Mason commented: "This is a wonderful result, ntl: staff have voted by a large margin to retain union recognition in the COBI Field Ops Division.

"Those people voting have shown overwhelmingly that they want BECTU to represent them. It is particularly pleasing that we were able to achieve the necessary 33% margin given the ballot was conducted in August and there were therefore concerns about turnout.

"This result is a credit to our members and activists in ntl: who worked hard to achieve a 'yes' vote.

"BECTU will now be looking to build on this result and to increase both our number of members in ntl: and encourage more people to become active in the union."

If ntl: associates are interested in joining BECTU or becoming more involved, they should contact [email protected]

The union offers a wide range of courses to members interested in becoming representatives or in health and safety.