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Power workers balloted over strike

National Grid workers in Newcastle are to be balloted on strike action over fears that nearly 200 jobs will be outsourced to India.

The GMB union has said 181 jobs are to be outsourced, and 97% of the firm’s city office staff have voted to take action in a consultative ballot organised last week.

Gary Smith, GMB National Officer said: “This proposed site closure is nothing but an act of irresponsible corporate greed.

He added: “The vote in the consultative ballot was almost unanimous in favour of strike action. The next step is to organise an official strike ballot to stop the off-shoring of these jobs.

“It is time to put an end to National Grid greed.”

The union’s annual conference in Blackpool heard that the National Grid saw a 12% increase in profits on the previous year, but the international electric and gas company still wants to see £3m in cost cutting measures at the Newcastle site.

In a statement the National Grid said although the company performed well in the last financial year they are reviewing internal administrative support services across the company. It said: “Absolutely no decision has been made about the way forward. We have not taken any decisions to outsource or close and location and we are disappointed with the GMB’s position.

“We have been talking to our employees and the trade unions about our need to achieve efficiencies and savings.

“We recognise that these are sensitive times for employees - but we are still looking at options, no decisions have been made.

“We don’t expect to make any decisions until the summer and we are committed to consulting our employees and trade unions on any proposals.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .