Vodafone/Orange Joint Venture Announcement - RAN Sharing and Outsourcing

Following conference calls earlier today with Jeni Mundy, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK , Connect members in Regional Operations will be aware that Vodafone has announced that they are looking for an outsourcing partner to maintain their Radio Access Network.

Clearly this announcement will be of concern to our members, particularly in Field Operations.

As the recognised union for members in Regional Operations North and South, Connect has been contacted by the business to discuss this announcement. Although no contract has been signed with an outsource partner and little detail has been given at this stage we will be meeting with the company over the coming months to assess the likely impact of the changes on employees and to represent the views of our members on what will be a difficult time. The Connect representatives that will come from the election process that we are currently undergoing will be fully involved in consultations.

As you'll be aware, in Regional Operations North and South we are able to represent people affected by the proposed changes as the recognised union for H, I and J grades. As the business looks to reduce costs it is important that members across Vodafone give themselves the opportunity to have formal union representation through supporting our organising work by talking to and recruiting their colleagues. You can find out more about this work by contacting our team.