Unite members at National Grid to be balloted for strike action
11th December 2009
Unite, the UK’s largest union, is warning the National Grid that
it is preparing to ballot its members for industrial action over
changes to terms and conditions for new starters and 2009 pay and
conditions.
Talks have been taking place since April 2009 and there has been
no resolution. Unite has served notice on the company and the
ballot will commence on 14th December 2009 and close on 5th January
2010.
National Grid has released half yearly figures showing a 16 per
cent increase in profits and it is on target to have a good year
according to its director, Steve Holiday.
Unite members being balloted are employed mainly within the
transmission part of the business covering substations and overhead
lines. If strike action goes ahead this could lead to power cuts
around England and Wales from late January onwards.
Michael Tuff, Unite regional officer, said: "We are disappointed
that we have been put in a position of having to ballot for
industrial action, but a very profitable company will not sit down
and hold serious discussions regarding the terms and conditions. We
have purposely held this ballot back over the Christmas period so
as not to cause disruption to the general public."
Around 700 members will be balloted from Unite the union from
all regions.
ENDS
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