National Grid faces industrial action

National Grid faces a revolt by engineers, industrial and administrative workers over pay. Talks started last April but, nine months on, the offer stands at 2.5% from 1 July 2010 and 2.25% from 1 July 2011 (a third year at 2.25% was abandoned). Members of the three unions involved, Prospect, Unite and Unison, voted heavily in favour of action short of a strike. An overtime ban, work to contract and/or withdrawal of goodwill could now hit gas and electricity operations.

Business is booming for National Grid. Prospect national secretary Emily Boase said: “2010 saw a 45% pre-tax increase in half-yearly profits, after a 12% increase in full-year profits”, pointing out that prices “are directly tied to RPI inflation.” Unison national secretary Mike Jeram added that “this is the second year running that the pay talks have broken down and members have voted for industrial action”.