Strike action set at Darwen tv licensing offices

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STRIKE action looks set to be taken by hundreds of staff at Darwen’s TV Licensing offices.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action over pay.

The result, with 77.2 per cent supporting a strike, covers Capita’s TV Licensing operations at the town’s India Mills and Bristol.

CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “The enormous majority for strike action is hardly surprising when you consider the company’s offer is little more than half the rate of inflation.

“We’ve been inundated by complaints from our hard-working members who are describing this ‘offer’ as a pay cut in real terms.”

Under the ballot, strike action could take place in early October but further negotiations may take place.

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 that this is a good and fair offer, particularly in the light of the economic climate, which continues to be challenging, and the fact that many other private sector organisations, including some parts of Capita, have had to institute pay freezes.

“We are therefore disappointed that staff have voted to take industrial action but will take measures to ensure that we continue to offer a good level of service during any such action so that customers are not affected.”

The union claims that Capita made record profits of £364.2m pounds last year and should be able to afford higher pay rises.