Around 87 per cent of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) voted in favor of the BT's 3-year pay deal worth 9.3 per cent, averting a possible strike action.

The CWU members were in dispute with the telecoms giant over pay deal. Earlier in may, the CWU members voted for a strike action in response to company’s earlier offer of 2 per cent and guaranteed bonuses in the range of £250 to £500.

But, CWU members supported the new pay deal with a strong majority.

Speaking on the topic, CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said, “It was a very hard set of negotiations including a ballot for strike action and the deal provides stability and security for both staff and the company.”

More than 50,000 BT CWU workers will receive a three per cent pay increase backdated to January 1, 2010, which will be seen in August pay slips.

The CWU is also in dispute with Spanish-owned Telefonica network’s subsidiary O2 over pay deal. But, reports are emerging that the union has agreed to accept a two-year pay deal.

The CWU has accepted a 2.5 per cent pay increase for its O2 members in 2010 and 2.75 per cent in 2011.

The deadline to vote on the new pay deal is 19 August.