Capita workers step up strike action

STAFF at Capita sites across the UK have begun two days of strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

The action involves nearly 1,000 life and pension workers, including some in Birmingham, is an escalation of a 24-hour walkout in June, which the Unite union claims was successful.

Picket lines were in place to protest to against what Unite claims is a 75% pay cut in real terms for its members.
 
Dominic Hook, Unite national officer said: “Unite the union members across the country have been given no choice but to have to stand up against the derisory pay offer made by their employer Capita. It is deeply regrettable that Capita have not returned to the negotiating table to resolve this dispute.
 
“Capita have thus far failed to recognise that it is the hard work and commitment of their workforce that has brought them another year of positive financial results. The pay deal on offer would result in a real terms pay cut for 75% of staff, this is unacceptable.
 
“In a nationwide show of strength Unite members are now staging a 48 hour strike, with the ban on overtime continuing. If Capita wishes to resolve this dispute with their workforce they must now bring positive proposals to the pay negotiations and recognise the value of their staff.”
 
Capita strikes will affect Prudential, Aviva, Royal London, Abbey Life and Guardian and are taking place in Reading, Bristol, Bournemouth, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Stirling.

A Capita Life and Pensions spokesperson said: “There has been no impact to clients to-date and plans are in place to mitigate any potential disruption.

“We are disappointed that the pay proposal, which we believe is a fair and equitable one, was rejected by around half of the Unite member employees of Capita’s life and pensions business.

“Less than a third of the total workforce in our life and pensions business are Unite members.”