Pressing forward on Capita TVL pay negotiations

Postal, Capita September 23 2020


Wednesday 23rd September 2020

“Some progress but not enough” is how CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey summarises the situation in talks between the union and service provider Capita TVL.

A joint statement released earlier today updated the company’s 900 field and ‘office’ workers who operate the BBC’s television licensing system right across the UK.

Andy for the union and Paul Johnston, partnership director at Capita TVL, both paid tribute to the outstanding efforts made by staff during what has been ‘the most abnormal year any of us have ever experienced’.

But, despite the ‘constructive working relationship’ between both parties, who have held several lengthy negotiating sessions, talks have reached ‘an impasse’.

“Our position is, we want a 3 per cent pay increase, with effect from the start of this year, January 1 2020 – and for the Real Living Wage to be introduced with effect from the same date,” explains Andy.

“We’re also seeking a commitment from Capita TVL to automatically raise minimum hourly pay rates in accordance with the annual recommendation from the Real Living Wage Foundation.”

“On pensions, we’re seeking an increased employer contribution as the current levels are woefully inadequate and on the working week, the union wants this reduced by one hour from 37.5 net in accordance with our conference policy.”

The company’s current offer is a 2 per cent pay rise – but not for those on salaries above £28,000 – and although there is a commitment to the RLW, Capita TVL are proposing an April 2020 rather than a January 2020 start point.

And no agreement has yet been reached with regard to either the working week or employer pension contributions.

“We’ve made progress, but the deal on offer falls short of our aspiration on a number of levels,” summarises Andy, who adds that “further talks are planned and we’re also scheduling a full briefing session with all of our Capita TVL CWU representatives as soon as is practicable.

“As the joint statement notes, we are both hopeful that a resolution can be found and it’s positive that both parties are committed to further discussions.

“But significant differences still remain between us and reaching a fair settlement, one that we feel able to recommend to members, is going to be difficult.

“At this time, an industrial dispute cannot, unfortunately, be ruled out especially as early feedback from members indicates they are supportive of rejecting the inadequate offer.”