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GMB has announced its long-running dispute with Centrica over changes to British Gas workers’ contracts is over.
In an announcement released this week GMB says its workers have achieved an “improved” pay deal.
The industrial action was the longest in Centrica’s history and centred on the company’s plans to undertake a massive restructure of the business. This included simplifying contract terms and conditions, many of which contained agreements dating back more than three decades.
Last July Centrica issued HR1 and S.188 notices, which allow it, in a “last resort”, to terminate workers’ contracts and issue new ones with updated terms and conditions.
The company then began talks with several trade unions and the GMB, which represents around 7,000 British Gas engineers, was the last to hold out and subsequently staged 44 days of strike action. In the end, nearly 500 workers were dismissed.
In an announcement this week the union said its members accepted the new deal 75.5 per cent to 24.5 per cent. Crucially, it added, the deal opened the door for sacked members to return should they wish to.
Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said British Gas’ actions had been “unnecessary and cavalier” over the past six months but added the new agreement provided a way forward.
He said: “We have listened to what our members wanted and have been able to deliver the improvements necessary to bring this dispute to an end.
“As a result of the deal, members will see significant improvements to their work life balance and will get a little bit more in the process.
“We have also kept the pension scheme open to new starters in the old service and repair division and crucially left the door open for those who were sacked to come back should they wish to do so.
“None of this would have been possible without the tremendous sacrifice of our members who should be commended for the stand they took.
“They have turned the practice of fire and rehire into a national issue and we will continue the campaign they started until this appalling practice is banned.”
A Centrica spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that the agreement with our trade unions effectively brings the dispute with GMB to an end. Our customers and our people are our priority and our unions are a critical partner to ensuring our business is sustainable, competitive, and set up for growth.
“Creating a flexible model for our colleagues and ensuring our people have the skills needed for the future is the common ground that unites us.”
You can read Utility Week’s analysis of the dispute here.
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