BT Ballot pulled

Dear Colleague

  Since the union served formal Notice to BT on 10th June of our intention to ballot for strike action, BT has made a number of legal challenges to the Notice of ballot.
  The CWU has sought the advice of our legal representatives following receipt of the first legal challenge, and we have responded to each of the company’s letters vigorously defending the union’s position.
  Towards the end of last week we sought further legal advice which was received this morning, and which makes clear that the legal position is not in the union’s favour. As a result of this advice, we have taken the decision to withdraw the ballot rather than take the union through a lengthy and expensive process of litigation which is clearly against us.
  The ballot has been cancelled with immediate effect and the appointed independent scrutineer will therefore not be issuing a ballot result.
  Since notifying BT today of our decision to withdraw the ballot, the company have been in correspondence with us asking us to enter urgent discussions with a view to resolving the current pay dispute.
  The union’s executive considered this today and it has been agreed that we will meet with BT urgently.
I can confirm that we will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that we have the required information to comply with the legal process so that we can issue a fresh Notice of Ballot as soon as possible. However, in the meantime as stated above we will be speaking to BT to see if a resolution to the dispute can be achieved.
  I would like to thank members for voting in the CWU’s ballot, and for your continued support as we strive for a fair and affordable pay settlement in the BT Pay Review this year.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Kerr
Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)



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