TV Licensing Workers Continue Industrial Action

Capita employees working on the BBC's TV Licensing contract are set to walk out for a second day on 31st October 2011.

Earlier this month around 500 workers abandoned their desks in a continuing row over pay and conditions. The Bristol and Darwen-based workers, members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), are angered by a recent below-inflation pay offer, which comes on the back of a two year pay freeze.

In the last hour the CWU has announced a second day of action, which takes place next Monday.

CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: "It's the sheer unfairness of the company's attitude that has brought us to this situation. Capita is making huge profits, but is still expecting our members to accept a reduced standard of living. The fact they haven't been in touch at all shows just how little they seem to care about their employees.

"With inflation running at 5.6 per cent, pay offers worth around 2.6 per cent mean a pay cut in real terms for staff who are already struggling to pay increased food and energy bills. We want a fair, affordable pay rise which rewards staff."

A Capita spokesman said: "The offer made to staff working on the TV licensing contract represents a minimum increase of 2.6% and 2.7% for 2010 and 2011 respectively.

"We think it is a good and fair offer."

On the last day of action Capita further infuriated striking employees, by offering strike-breakers a free buffet lunch at the expense of the licence-fee-payer.

Pickets will be mounted between 7:30 - 10:30 am at the following TV Licensing locations:

• 100 Temple Street, Bristol, BS98 1TL
• India Mill, Bolton Road, Darwen, BB3 1YX

Capita Business Services Ltd. was awarded the 10 year TV Licensing operations contract in 2002. The BBC is due to announce the winner of the new contract later this year. Several other companies including IBM and Cap Gemini have made applications for the role.