Justice for Agency Workers

Agency Pay Protest at BT AGM

16 July 2008

CWU members and agency workers from across the country demonstrated outside BT's Annual General Meeting to highlight problems faced by the two-tier workforce.

The demonstration on Wednesday 16 July 2008, was to highlight the company’s role in constraining the pay of agency workers.

Newly elected CWU Deputy General Secretary, Andy Kerr, said: "BT relies on around 8,000 agency workers to deliver key aspects of its business. These workers are expected to provide the same commitment and level of customer service as permanent BT employees but they are not rewarded in an equal way."

"Even where pay increases have happened, they have only been a matter of few pence per hour which goes nowhere near to addressing current cost of living issues. BT is deliberately constraining the pay of agency workers. Some agency staff haven’t had a pay rise for over four years."

In opening speeches form the Chairman and members of the board it was clear what BT's priorities are. Customer Service, Investment and "Agility" were all cited, but no there was mention of the well-being of their dedicated workforce.

The CWU had shareholder attendees going to the meeting to ask questions specifically challenging BT on their shocking lack of responsibility to these agency workers.

"Power-Up for Agency Pay"

The "Power-Up" campaign seeks an instant pay rise for the Manpower and Kelly employees who work alongside, and do exactly the same work as, directly employed BT staff - but who are paid at a lower rate, have far inferior terms and conditions and don't even qualify for an annual pay review.