THOUSANDS of BT and Openreach workers will walk out on another 24-hour strike today for the second time in a dispute over poor pay.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), including call centre workers and engineers, also took action on Friday against a £1,500 pay increase for all employees.

The union has warned that the offer means a real terms wage cut due to soaring inflation figures.

Members are also calling on the public to drop off donations for foodbanks at the hundreds of picket lines across the country.

Earlier in the year, BT Group subsidiary EE established a foodbank for its employees, leading CEO Philip Jansen to be nicknamed “Foodbank Phil” in many workplaces.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Since BT Group workers have been forced to take historic strike action in defence of their standard of living, it’s obvious that ‘Foodbank Phil’ has no interest in their welfare.

“But his employees — our members — care about the contributions they make to the society they serve and the country they live in.

“Just like in the pandemic, working-class people will step up to the plate when employers and politicians fail, and are ready to put need before greed.”

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

“They showed their strength, but on Monday they will show their generosity.

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

A BT Group spokesperson said they respect the choice of CWU member colleagues to strike and the company will “work to minimise any disruption.”