19th Feb 2021 09:22
(Alliance News) - Centrica PLC's British Gas engineers have launched a fresh wave of strikes after talks aimed at resolving a dispute over pay and conditions "faltered".
Members of the GMB union walked out on Friday for four days, with further action planned.
The union said the company had refused to change its plans which it claimed involved sacking workers and rehiring them on worse terms and conditions.
Planned strikes last weekend were suspended to allow talks to take place at the conciliation service Acas.
The workers have staged a series of strikes this year and more are planned later this month.
Justin Bowden, GMB national officer, said: "Strike days 19 to 22 will go ahead at British Gas after talks at Acas faltered because the company refused to end the fire and rehire notice.
"GMB entered into these Acas-brokered talks in good faith, but a deal is only possible if the company takes its fire and rehire plan off the table.
"After 18 days of strikes, more than 210,000 homes are in a backlog for repairs and 250,000 planned annual service visits have been axed."
The company disputes the figures, and maintains it is trying to protect jobs.
British Gas said it has plans in place to ensure they can deal with calls from vulnerable customers.
It added that talks were at a "critical stage" and, as this is a confidential process, could not comment further.
By Alan Jones
source: PA
Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Centrica