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Article

25 Jan 2021

Author:
GMB

UK: GMB accuses British Gas parent Centrica of threatening to fire workers who refuse to accept worse terms and conditions of new contract

“British Gas engineers strike for eighth day as service backlog set to hit 150,000 customers”, 25 January 2021

GMB British Gas members across the country embark on strike day eight today over the company’s fire and rehire threat.

The workers are in dispute over the profitable company’s attempt to impose hourly rates 15% below agreed rates and other detrimental changes.

Meanwhile the backlog of customers waiting for service has reached a massive 150,000 as a result of the industrial action British Gas has provoked.

In a show of defiance on strike day seven, gas and electrical engineers across the country staged a ceremonial burning of a contract they have been told to sign or face the sack.

British Gas engineers and staff voted overwhelmingly by 89% to strike after boss of parent company Centrica, Chris O’Shea, threatened to fire them all if they didn’t “accept” cuts to pay and terms and conditions.

Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said:

“British Gas recklessly provoked this dispute. At the end of strike day eight the backlog will have grown to more than 150,000 household waiting for services. That number will grow due to the next four strike dates.

“The fire and rehire changes being imposed on engineers mean hourly pay rates would be 15% below agreed pay rates along with other worse term and conditions.

“British Gas should accept that taking fire and rehire off the table is the only way to end this dispute.”

Timeline

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