STRIKE action across the UK is taking place in a number of sectors, including train operators, royal mail workers, and communications staff.

We spoke to CWU (Communication Workers Union) workers who were on strike from the BT offices in Birchwood at the end of July, and they are taking further industrial action this month.

For the first time, 999 call operators will join the CWU striking workers.

BT workers at Stanford House, Birchwood, will walk out on Thursday, October 6, as well as further planned industrial action taking place Monday, October 10, Thursday, October 20, and Monday, October 24.

Those on strike include 30,000 Openreach engineers and 10,000 BT call centre workers - now, 500 emergency phone operators will join those on strike.

CWU workers are striking at a real-terms pay cut that is being 'imposed' by BT Group Management.

There was a previous agreement that emergency call operators would be exempt from strikes such as these, but the situation has escalated to the point where the workers feel they have no choice.

CWU general secretary, Dave Ward, 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 foodbanks, they’re worried about the cost of living and are being stretched to the limit."

CWU strike action is set to take place throughout October: Thursday 6, Monday 10, Thursday 20, and Monday 24.