More than 20 members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) took to the 'BT roundabout' in Ashton on behalf of BT staff. 

BT and Openreach workers and engineers are staging industrial action today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) in a dispute over pay. 

Union members waved flags and banners at the offices on Park Parade to raise public awareness of their cause, attracting plenty of hoots of support from passing motorists. 

Ian Tomlinson, branch secretary of the Manchester Combined Branch of the CWU, said: “Cars have been stopping in the car park and people have been coming across to support us. 

“A pay rise of £1,500 was imposed in April, but with rising inflation this now represents in real terms a pay cut. 

“The company made a profit of £1.3 billion and are on target to record a further five to six per cent increase in profits for 2022/23 and are set to make a £1.4 billion profit margin – so they can afford it and members worked throughout the pandemic to keep everyone connected.” 

Ian said that the industrial action has been successful in making the company listen with talks continuing with the union.  

Union members in Ashton staging the campaign this morning represent workers from the ‘Outer Manchester Core’ teams.  

Tens of thousands of BT workers first staged industrial action at the end of July and start of this month in the first national strike action since 1987, when engineers and call centre workers walked out. 

Postal workers in Hyde – also represented by the CWU – staged industrial action last Friday at the town’s sorting office. 

Both postal and BT workers are due to continue their industrial action tomorrow as a ‘summer of discontent’ continues due to the cost of living crisis. 

Images by Nigel Wood

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper