Bectu members vote for industrial action in pay dispute with Al Jazeera

After almost three years of no pay increase, Bectu members working at Al Jazeera have voted 93.33% in favour of industrial action. You can read the scrutineers report in full here.

Members at Al Jazeera last received a pay rise in 2020, and after months of negotations, Al Jazeera offered a 4.5% increase for 2022 pay, which would not extend to 2023.

Bectu rejected this offer, and a subsequent offer of an additional non-consolidated lump sum of £500 for anyone earning below £50,000 a year provided during a recent session with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

Bectu members were then balloted on taking industrial action. Bectu has advised Al Jazeera of the results of the consultative ballot.

Bectu National Secretary Noel McClean said: “We fully support our members’ decision to vote for industrial action. They have been waiting three years for a pay increase and in the midst of a cost of living crisis, soaring energy costs and interest rate increases, a 4.5% increase limited to 2022 is simply not good enough.

“We encourage Al Jazeera to consider the results of the ballot and offer a fair deal for our members.”