GMB calls off British Gas strike after 44 days

Edward Thicknesse

Tuesday 20 July 2021 

(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Union GMB has today brought an end to 44 days of strike action after its members backed a new pay deal from British Gas.

Around 7,000 of the company’s engineers carried out the industrial action in protest at the firm’s so-called “fire and rehire” tactics.

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GMB said that 500 workers lost their jobs as a result of refusing to sign up for the previous deal that British Gas was offering.

According to the union, under the new deal workers will be offered improvements to overtime rates and unsocial hours payments and see limits placed on the amount of unsocial working undertaken.

The deal also allows those who have left British Gas to return.

The union said that its members accepted the deal by 75.5 per cent to 24.5 per cent.

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “GMB Union will never forget British Gas’s unnecessary and cavalier actions over the past six months.

“But this new agreement does provide a way forward.

“We have listened to what our members wanted and have been able to deliver the improvements necessary to bring this dispute to an end.”

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A Centrica spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that today’s 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.”