Zarah ChoudharyEmployees at British Gas supplier TVS Supply Chain Solutions have voted for strike action, which GMB noted could cause delays in the utility firm’s supply chain.
More than 90% of workers rejected the employer’s pay offer and were willing to take industrial action, which comes after 10 months of talks and a three year pay-freeze.
The company provides parts and maintenance support across British Gas home heating products, including home boilers and metering.
Around 150 workers at the Leicester and Coventry HQ are expected to take eight days of strike action between 18th to 21st and 25th to 28th October 2024.
Ferdousara Uddin, GMB organiser, said: “These workers are essential to British Gas operations; keeping homes heated across the country.
“They’re being treated with disdain and offered bargain-basement pay offers.
“As we enter the frostiest months of the year, strike action will have a huge impact on TVS’s ability to meet its obligations.
“It’s time for company bosses to urgently reconsider if that is really what they want”.
A spokesperson for TVS Supply Chain Solutions said: “TVS Supply Chain Solutions acknowledges the planned industrial action by some colleagues at our Leicester and Magna Park sites, represented by the GMB union, scheduled for 18-21 and 25-28 October.
“We highly value the contributions of all our colleagues and have engaged in extensive discussions with the GMB since January, including the involvement of ACAS, to secure a fair and competitive pay agreement.
Whilst we respect the right to strike, we are disappointed by the GMB’s decision to proceed with industrial action. Our priority is to minimise disruption to our customers, including British Gas, and we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate any potential impact on service delivery.
“TVS remains committed to open dialogue with the GMB to find a resolution and prevent further disruption.”
