August 30, 2013

NUJ campaigns for 6% pay rise at ITV in view of rising profits

The National Union of Journalists has called on ITV to offer staff across the board pay rises of more than 6 per cent.

Along with fellow unions Bectu and Unite, the NUJ has launched its “ITV’s got talent” campaign after the company predicted that its pre-tax profit for 2013 would be 11 per cent up, having increased profit by 157 per cent between 2009-12.

The unions have asked for a pay deal of inflation (RPI) plus 3 per cent. As of last month, RPI stood at 3.1 per cent.

They said the campaign will emphasise both the recent success of ITV and the sacrifices made by staff, many of whom have experienced pay freezes or redundancy programmes at the broadcaster.

The unions also want to see an increase in the £60,0000 salary cap determining which staff would benefit from a pay rise and a similar increase to its upper limit on redundancy pay.

They have written to ITV HR director Hazel Mitchell to highlight staff contributions to the recent success of the company.

The letter said:

The joint unions have always acknowledged that the employer's finance and business decisions are crucial in the success of the company. For example, when ITV was haemorrhaging money and laden with debt in 2010 the staff accepted a pay freeze – this was viewed as the correct approach. However the fortunes of ITV have improved dramatically over the past three to four years. All staff have contributed to that turnaround. In spite of this, in recent years the pay awards have always been below inflation. In real terms staff wages have declined. We believe the workforce should now be rewarded for the significant role they have played in meeting and exceeding the targets set by ITV."

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: "We are asking for a fair pay deal which will recognise the contribution of the staff to ITV's profits and ensure they are rewarded alongside the executives and shareholders."