Gas workers are set to strike in Newcastle tomorrow (Friday 11 September)
over National Grid bosses’ decision to make mass sackings and consider
outsourcing.
100 per cent of the 181 shared services staff at the city site, who stand at
risk of joining the dole queue, voted in favour of industrial action.
And the strikes may be set to spiral, as staff at offices in Warwick and
Northampton, which are also facing a hit, are among 2,500 other National
Grid members who voted 40 to one in support of the action in a ballot.
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company, which delivers
gas to 11 million homes in Britain.
This year the company posted profits of nearly £3 billion and seven directors
have enjoyed a salary and bonus total of £9.47 million.
Shareholders were also paid a dividend of 23p per share and have been
guaranteed an eight per cent return every year until 2012.
Mike Jeram, UNISON’s Head of Business and Environment, who will be in
Newcastle to support the strikers, said:
“We are appalled that a company that makes a huge profit from UK customers
and has just paid out the highest ever dividend to shareholders is prepared to
sacrifice the staff who helped them do this.
“Outsourcing overseas may also have a serious impact upon the service.
“The city also faces a huge loss, as those who do survive the sackings may
have to relocate.
“We are proud of our members for fighting redundancy and are calling on the
company to guarantee employment in the Newcastle office.
“This is only the first day of action, the strikes may end up spiralling
nationally, as our ballot shows a huge majority of members are prepared to
stand up and fight for their jobs.”