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Unions at VT Group to challenge pay freeze

Unions at VT Group to seek reversal of decision on pay freeze

The refusal to negotiate pay with representatives in the individual bargaining units threatens to seriously damage industrial relations across the group

The recognised trade unions at VT Group met at BECTU’s HQ in Clapham, London, today to discuss the group’s proposed pay freeze.

The unions are appalled at the chief executive’s message to staff announcing that despite record profits in 2009 of £108million, VT does not intend to award a pay rise to staff this year.  

Furthermore, the unions are dismayed by the chief executive’s edict on pay in a business that consists of numerous contracts and many separate collective bargaining units.  

“The refusal to negotiate pay with representatives in the individual bargaining units threatens to seriously damage industrial relations across the group,” a spokesperson for the unions said.

The unions will be meeting with VT’s HR director, Richard Gartside, on 31 March to demand that VT reverse the decision on pay and allow negotiations to proceed on an individual contract basis. 

In the absence of a change of approach from VT and a recognition that hardworking staff deserve their share of record profits, the unions will continue to campaign against the pay freeze and will consult with members on further action.

The unions also expressed concern today at the implications of the takeover of VT by Babcock.  The takeover is likely to result in rationalisation, office closures and job cuts in order to achieve savings of £50million by 2013. 

The unions will be demanding clarity from both VT and Babcock on the impact of the takeover on members’ terms and conditions, pensions and future job security.

ENDS

Note for editors:

1.    VT Group recognises a number of trade unions including BECTU, GMB, Unite, Prospect, PCS Unison and Nautilus International.

2.    More background on the unions’ pay claim and on VT Group’s performance. http://www.bectu.org.uk/news/687

3.    VT Group is a multi-national with its roots in shipbuilding. The company’s broadcast business has expanded from its beginnings in the 1990s with Merlin Communications, the company then responsible for the transmission of BBC World Service output.