BT workers have been collecting for food banks while participating in strike action in Ardrossan.

Taking place over Friday, July 29 and Monday, August 1, members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) participated in a picket at the Ardrossan Telephone Exchange due to disputes over pay.

Striking workers consisting of engineers and call centre staff are urging members of the public to donate to food banks due to recent reports that food bank usage has increased.

In June it was revealed that EE, a subsidiary of BT Group, had established a food bank for their employees, with some workers nicknaming CEO Philip Jansen ‘Foodbank Phil’.

Action was prompted after members of the CWU deemed the proposed pay rise unsatisfactory when compared to the rate of inflation, but BT refused to re-open discussions.

Over 40,000 workers participated in the UK-wide strike action resulting in the first national telecoms strike since 1987.

CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said: “On Friday, BT Group workers took strike action and received overwhelming support from the public.

“When corrupt politicians and overpaid bosses fall way short of the mark, it is working people who look after other working people.”