999 call operators strike today over BT pay - how emergency calls will be affected

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents BT workers, are on strike today (October 6).

Emergency 999 call operators were initially exempt from the strike action, but changed their minds after "widespread outrage at the company’s refusal to negotiate".

Around 500 emergency call handlers will walk out for the first time as they join their colleagues -  30,000 Openreach engineers and 10,000 BT call centre workers.

Further walkouts are currently planned to take place on 10, 20 and 24 October amid warnings of what could be a "dangerous dispute for many".

Here’s everything you need to know and how the strikes may impact you.

Why are emergency 999 call operators striking?

Action has been taken in opposition to BT Group management’s offer of a flat-rate pay rise of £1,500.

BT said that this represents a pay rise of approximately 5% on average, and 8% for the lowest paid workers.

But, in the context of RPI inflation levels hitting 11.7% this year, the CWU says the offer is a "dramatic real-terms pay cut".

Dave Ward, CWU general secretary, said: “This decision was not taken lightly, but our union’s repeated attempts to initiate discussions was declined by a management who clearly believe they are above negotiating a fair deal for people who make massive profits for them.

"999 operators are using food banks, they’re worried about the cost of living and are being stretched to the limit.

“BT management clearly has no appreciation of its workforce, or their social value, but this union does, and we will keep on fighting this company’s attempt to plunge its workers into even further hardship.”

CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said: "Time and time again we have asked for negotiations to resolve what may well be a dangerous dispute for many, only to be ignored by a senior management that could not be less interested in addressing the anger that exists in their workplaces."