THEY have kept the country connected during the current pandemic, putting customers and the public first. Many more people have increasingly relied on our members being at work. 

Our members have been critical in ensuring the functionality of phone and broadband services and answering the calls made to the emergency services. They have gone above and beyond, putting their work and the public first. In many cases this has come with risks to themselves, and their families, and yet they have continually stepped up and got on with the job. 

The way they are rewarded by their employer, for this outstanding loyalty and dedication, is by threats to their future employment. They are now facing compulsory redundancy; site closures and cuts to their pay, terms and conditions.

The CWU has always been incredibly proud of our members, and the role they play in the UK, which is so often hidden. They keep the UK telecommunications infrastructure running. We have watched with great pride recently, as they have been responsible for the provision of vital services to so many. Whether that has been enabling and facilitating working from home, business meetings, virtual consultations with medical practitioners, or the very many other virtual gatherings, which have often been the only means for family and friends to maintain social contact, whilst being physically isolated.

Our members are the somewhat unsung heroes, as key workers in the UK, and our message to BT is loud and clear, they deserve so much more respect from their employer.

Karen Rose is CWU president