TUC: Threat by BT engineers

MORE THAN 27,000 British Telecom telephone engineers are being urged to undertake a campaign of 'civil disobedience' against the imposition of flexible working, writes Barrie Clement.

Management has indicated that it will force people to work late evenings and weekends if an insufficient number of volunteers comes forward. Leaders of the National Communications Union yesterday warned of industrial action if management resorted to compulsion.

Engineers are being urged to sign contracts by a week tomorrow, but the union said at the TUC conference yesterday that the overwhelming majority had refused.

Management wants engineers available to repair and install domestic telephones seven days a week until 8.30 at night.