British Gas engineers strike in South Yorkshire over new contract dispute

South Yorkshire British Gas engineers have today begun a five day strike over new contracts.
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Staff have joined a nationwide strike and are stationed outside Fox Valley shopping park to gather support for their cause.

GMB Union say staff from across the country have walked out today (January 7), in response to the firm trying to push through new contracts, and threatening to fire workers.

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Jake O’Malley, regional GMB organiser, says staff have been treated “appallingly” by Centrica, who own British Gas.

British Gas workers in South Yorkshire have gone out on strike today. Picture: GMBBritish Gas workers in South Yorkshire have gone out on strike today. Picture: GMB
British Gas workers in South Yorkshire have gone out on strike today. Picture: GMB

Speaking from the Fox Valley picket line, Mr O’Malley said: “They’ve now come asking our members to take drastic cuts and work more hours, with less sick pay, less holiday time and less family time – while the CEO Chris O’Shea picks up his annual salary of £775,000.

“We’ve been negotiating with the company since July, and they served a section 188 notice to fire and rehire. If our members do not sign up for these new terms and conditions, will be dismissed by the company.

“Some of the terms of the new contracts would be looking at performance related pay. If engineers were to attend a property, they would have a specific time to get that boiler serviced. It’s a disgrace.

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“Throughout the pandemic, staff have been working with Trussel Trust foodbanks, they enter customer’s homes to make sure that their heating is safe, and they are repaid by a Chief Executive who has been more consistent on his bonus.”

British Gas engineers strike in South Yorkshire over new contract dispute. Picture: Danielle AndrewsBritish Gas engineers strike in South Yorkshire over new contract dispute. Picture: Danielle Andrews
British Gas engineers strike in South Yorkshire over new contract dispute. Picture: Danielle Andrews

A spokesperson for Centrica said that the company has contingency plans in place to serve their customers during the strike, and that the new terms and conditions are “essential” to avoid job losses.

The spokesperson said: ‘We’ve done everything we can with the GMB to avoid industrial action. Whilst we’ve made great progress with our other unions, sadly the GMB leadership seems intent on causing disruption to customers during the coldest weekend of the year, amid a global health crisis and in the middle of a national lockdown.

“We have strong contingency plans in place to ensure we will still be there for customers who really need us, and we’ll prioritise vulnerable households and emergencies.

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“Over 83 per cent of our workforce have already accepted our new terms, in which base pay and pensions are protected, including a significant majority of GMB members.

“This shows most of our people understand that our business needs to change because customer needs are changing. GMB’s mandate for strike action is weak; they are fighting against modernisation and changes which will help to protect well paid jobs in the long term and are doing so at a time that our country needs everyone to pull together.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.