Strike threat issued over National Grid plans

Jun 16 2009 By The Journal

NATIONAL Grid workers in Tyneside are preparing for strike action amid claims their jobs are being moved out of the North East.

More than 180 jobs based in Newcastle could be moved to India or the South East as Grid bosses look to save £7m.

Union members say staff at the Quorum Business Park site, on Benton Lane, have already found £3m in savings in just a few months, and are pleading with management for more time.

National Grid has insisted no decision has being made on where to base the back-office functions currently carried out in Tyneside, but agreed it was pursuing multi-million pound savings.

Last night North Tyneside MP Stephen Byers vowed to take the workers’ fight to the National Grid’s top management.

Mr Byers said: "This vote clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling in the workforce against the proposals from the company.

"National Grid should take a step back and think again about their proposals.

"These are vital jobs that must be kept on Tyneside. I plan to meet the chief executive of the company within the next 10 days to make these points in the strongest possible way."

At the annual GMB conference in Blackpool union bosses said National Grid was motivated by "irresponsible corporate greed".

A survey of members found more than 97% were in favour of industrial action.

When staff return from the conference they will begin the process of setting up a formal strike ballot.

Joan Anderson, GMB organiser in the gas industry for the North East, said: "We are proposing to take this action because the company are not being honest with us. They have not even let us know where the jobs would go. Will they be offshored or will they be sent down South?

"All we are saying now is give us a little more time to save these jobs."

But National Grid spokesman Graham McQuarrie insisted the company structure had to reflect economic realities.

He said: "National Grid performed well in the 2008-09 financial year. But we have to make sure we are delivering our services to customers as efficiently and effectively as possible, as well as well as ensuring we continue to perform well financially. Therefore we are reviewing our internal administrative support services right across the company – including those at our Newcastle office.

"We are looking at all options – including asking external companies for their views and recommendations.

"Absolutely no decision has yet been made about the way forward. We have not taken any decisions to outsource or close any location and we are disappointed with the GMB’s position."