The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has called off its ballot for industrial action at BT for legal reasons.
CWU blamed the decision on what it labelled "restrictive" trade union laws in the UK that could make the ballot void.
The union, which had sent out ballot papers last month after a pay dispute with the communications giant failed to be resolved, said it had received numerous letters from BT over the last few weeks that effectively amounted to a legal challenge.
Now the body will look to re-ballot as soon as possible if further negotiations with BT fall through.
"We're bitterly disappointed that this ballot has had to be cancelled. It's devastating for our members and for trade union rights in the UK and of course it doesn't help to resolve the outstanding issues over pay which we have with BT," said Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary.
"The legal technicalities on which this ballot has been cancelled again raise questions over the right to strike and the extremely restrictive trade union laws that exist in the UK. The law, in our view, appears to be outdated when it comes to the provision of information," he added in a statement.
The CWU believes its members are owed more than the two per cent wage rise this year that was initially offered by BT, while the communications firm has stressed its offer is fair.
A BT spokesman told IT PRO that the firm is pleased CWU has decided to cancel the ballot.
"There were procedural issues regarding the ballot that we raised from the start and the union have now accepted this to be the case," he said.
"An amicable agreement is in everyone's interest and the withdrawal of the ballot provides both sides with a window of opportunity in which to reach such an agreement."
The spokesperson noted that BT is still not willing to meet the five per cent wage rise for this year that CWU wants, but the communications firm is happy to explore other avenues.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
-
Optimise CX and accelerate business growth through your voice networkwhitepaper Protecting the human experience in a digital world
-
IDC InfoBrief: Sustainability doesn’t need to be all stick and no carrotwhitepaper CIOs are facing two conflicting strategic imperatives
-
‘The pace of change is taking its toll’: Business leaders are becoming burned out by rapid technological changesNews Tech leaders are contending with mounting stress levels amidst a sharpened focus on adopting new technologies and ramping up transformation efforts
-
Unlocking the power of your digital servicesSponsored Businesses have invested significant cash into technology since COVID-19, but are they really getting their money's worth?
-
The forgotten workforce needs a new communications strategySponsored Reliable communications technologies are key to building an efficient remote workforce
-
The future of work and the forgotten workforcewhitepaper How to deploy a mobile-first strategy so no one gets left behind
-
Building an outstanding digital experiencewhitepaper Insight into how banks and financial services organizations can deliver the digital experiences customers and employees expect
-
Inbound BT CEO Allison Kirkby faces challenge of leading telco through cuts in 2024News Kirkby brings years of experience heading some of the biggest telcos in the EU
