CADENT STRIKE BALLOT BEGINS AS GMB BALLOTS THOUSANDS OF WORKERS

Cadent can afford to protect workers from the worst fall in living standards in 50 years says GMB Union

Thousands of workers at gas giant Cadent begin voting on strike action today [25 March]

More than 2,000 GMB members will take part in the industrial action ballot, which runs until 12 noon 8 April.

If workers vote to walk out, a strike could take place as early as 22 April.

The ballot comes after workers resoundingly rejected a below inflation pay increase of 2 per cent for 2021 and 4 per cent from July 22.

With inflation running at 8.2 per cent, the deal amounts to a massive real terms pay cut.

Cadent Gas is the largest of the four gas distribution network companies, maintaining the gas network to homes and businesses throughout five regions in England; North West, East and West Midlands, East Anglia and North London.

Cadent made an operating profit of £901 million in 2021, while CEO Steve Fraser was paid £1.4 million in 2020/21.

Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:

“Cadent needs to wake up to the cost of living crisis in this country.

“Workers’ bills are going up and that means their wage needs to go up too.

“We face the biggest drop in living standard for 50 years – since the time of rationing.

“Cadent can afford to protect workers from this – they made £900 million last year.

“GMB urges them to do the right thing, treat workers right and avert industrial action.”