10th Mar 2021 13:27
(Alliance News) - British Gas engineers are to stage a series of fresh strikes in a deadlocked dispute over pay and conditions.
Members of the GMB union will walk out for 12 days before the end of the month, bringing the total number of stoppages to 42 since the row started.
The strikes will be held from March 12 to 15, 19 to 22 and 26 to 29 after the engineers overwhelmingly rejected a revised offer from British Gas, a subsidiary of Centrica PLC.
Justin Bowden, GMB national officer, said: "Twelve more strike days will go ahead at British Gas after gas and electrical engineers overwhelmingly rejected a revised offer because the company didn't take fire and rehire off the table.
"The company needs to understand its fire and rehire plan is the big obstacle to members accepting a deal – they must withdraw it now.
"After 30 days of strikes, more than 250,000 homes are in a backlog for repairs and 350,000 planned annual service visits have been axed.
"The behaviour of British Gas bosses is hurting workers, customers and ultimately company shareholders.
"GMB's executive has determined action could continue to mid-April in this deadlocked dispute."
British Gas denies the union figures on a backlog of repairs, and says it is focusing on dealing with emergencies and calls from vulnerable customers.
The company says the changes it is proposing are aimed at saving jobs.
By Alan Jones
source: PA
Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Centrica