Pay dispute solved at ITV

BECTU members working for ITV plc have today voted to accept an improved pay offer from the company.

After talks with BECTU, Amicus, and the NUJ before Christmas, ITV plc management increased their consolidated pay offer to 3%, up 0.5% on the original inflation-only offer of 2.5%.

BECTU members voted by a ratio of 9 to 1 to accept the now above-inflation award. As part of the agreement which settles this year's pay dispute, management have also agreed to meet three times a year at national level with officials from the recognised unions.

The first of these meetings is scheduled for March. The company's response to the joint-union pay claim will also be brought forward to mid-November (at the latest) to allow for more meaningful talks on the 2007 pay review ahead of next Christmas.

"Our members' response to the improved offer is one which unites our membership and this is one aspect we particularly welcome. The 2006 dispute has built on our significant efforts last Spring when industrial action was needed to secure a better offer " commented Sharon Elliott, BECTU official.

"We look forward to using the increased opportunities for dialogue, which are part of this year's settlement, to represent members' interests more effectively. We also urge ITV plc staff who are currently not members of BECTU to work together with their colleagues who are members and who make BECTU happen. By joining up non-members will help us all to achieve so much more" concluded Elliott.