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Openreach Strike Threatens UK Broadband

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 22:25 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: England, N/A, UNITED KINGDOM

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 - The UK's digital infrastructure is facing a potential disruption as Openreach, the nation's largest broadband network provider, braces for strike action initiated by the Communication Workers Union (CWU). The dispute centers around a rejected pay offer, with the CWU citing the escalating cost-of-living crisis and what they deem as the undervaluation of essential workers.

The planned strikes represent a significant escalation in tensions between Openreach and its engineering workforce, who are pivotal in maintaining the country's broadband services. While Openreach maintains it has offered a substantial pay increase, the CWU argues it falls far short of addressing the financial pressures faced by its members. This situation raises critical questions about fair compensation in essential infrastructure roles, the impact of economic hardship on the workforce, and the potential consequences for millions of UK homes and businesses relying on a stable internet connection.

The Core of the Dispute: Pay and the Cost of Living

Andy Gilbert, CWU Deputy General Secretary, has been vocal in highlighting the sacrifices made by Openreach engineers, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our members have shown extraordinary commitment and flexibility during the pandemic. They've kept the country connected and played a vital role in our communities," he stated. "But their reward for that has been a real-terms pay cut and a cost-of-living crisis that has left them struggling to pay their bills."

The union contends that Openreach's offer fails to adequately compensate for the erosion of earnings due to inflation. While Openreach proposed a GBP1,050 salary increase, bringing the average engineer's earnings to GBP32,000 annually, the CWU argues this doesn't offset the rising costs of essentials such as energy, food, and housing.

Openreach, however, emphasizes the significant nature of its offer, especially considering the current economic climate. A company spokesperson expressed disappointment with the CWU's decision to proceed with strike action, stating, "We offered our engineering colleagues a salary increase of GBP1,050, taking their average earnings to GBP32,000 a year. This is a significant rise and the offer also included a bonus." They further lamented the lack of constructive engagement from the union and voiced concerns about the potential disruption to vital services.

Openreach: The Backbone of UK Connectivity

Understanding the scale of Openreach's operations is crucial to grasping the potential impact of the strike. As the UK's largest broadband network provider, Openreach isn't a consumer-facing brand like BT or Sky. Instead, it provides the physical infrastructure - the cables, exchanges, and engineering expertise - that enables these companies to deliver broadband services to millions of customers. Approximately 26 million homes and businesses across the UK rely on the Openreach network for their internet access, making its engineers essential personnel.

The company is in the midst of a large-scale rollout of Full Fibre broadband, a project designed to upgrade the nation's internet infrastructure and boost connectivity speeds. This project, while vital for the future of the UK's digital economy, is also placing considerable strain on the engineering workforce, further fueling the pay dispute. Engineers are working to install and maintain this new technology alongside the existing network, requiring significant skill and effort.

Potential Impact of Strike Action

If the strikes proceed, the consequences could be widespread. While Openreach has contingency plans in place, experts predict significant delays in broadband repairs and installations. This could affect businesses reliant on consistent internet access, disrupting operations and potentially impacting the economy. Individuals working from home, students engaged in online learning, and those dependent on online services for healthcare or essential communication could also experience difficulties.

The timing of the strike is particularly sensitive, coinciding with the peak demand for broadband during winter months and the continued reliance on online services. Furthermore, the impact could extend beyond immediate service disruptions. A prolonged strike could delay the rollout of Full Fibre broadband, hindering the UK's efforts to remain competitive in the global digital landscape.

Looking Ahead: Negotiations and Potential Resolutions

Both Openreach and the CWU have expressed a willingness to return to the negotiating table. However, bridging the gap between their positions will require compromise. The CWU is likely to push for a more substantial pay increase that reflects the rising cost of living and recognizes the value of its members' contributions. Openreach, on the other hand, will likely emphasize the financial realities of the business and the need to maintain long-term sustainability.

The resolution of this dispute will not only impact Openreach's workforce but also set a precedent for other essential infrastructure providers. A fair and equitable outcome is crucial to ensuring the stability of the UK's digital infrastructure and the wellbeing of the workers who maintain it.