CWU secures weighting deal at BT

A new deal on London weighting has been agreed by telecoms giant BT and the CWU communication workers’ union, guaranteeing annual increases for the foreseeable future.

In the current year, the deal provides for London weighting to rise by £30 plus 75% of the pay deal – an overall increase of 3.26% in the inner London payment and 4.4% for outer London.

But in future years the London weighting increase will be pegged at 75% of each year’s pay deal.

Commenting on the agreement, which was reached after talks lasting more than 18 months, CWU assistant secretary Grace Mitchell said: “We would obviously prefer a 100% link, but recognise that this is the best possible progress we can make through negotiations at this time.”

It was important for the union to “bank” the progress it had already made, she explained, “because it ensures London weighting goes up every year and that’s a goal we have long fought to achieve.”

Pointing out that the deal provides for a review of the formula in 2008, she added: “That will be an opportunity to press for an increase in the percentage link to pay.”

The union is currently balloting its BT members on the agreement, with a recommendation for acceptance. The ballot is due to close at the end of this month.