GMB members at Cadent Gas will walk out for six days as a dispute over excessive weekend working intensifies.
Dozens of staff in the North West will strike on the following dates:
Saturday 4 April
Sunday 5 April
Monday 6 April
Friday 10 April
Friday 17 April
Friday 24 April
Frontline staff say they are regularly required to work more than half of all weekends, leaving little opportunity for proper family time, rest days or holidays.
Despite repeated warnings from workers Cadent management, who do not work weekends, continue to insist the current rota is 'reasonable'.
Workers are calling for a modest improvement: reducing their weekend commitments by just one weekend a year.
Steven Whittle, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“Cadent’s frontline teams keep the gas network running safely day and night, yet they’re being pushed to sacrifice more than half their weekends while those making the decisions don’t work any at all.
“Our members have been clear for months that the current rota is unsustainable.
“Cadent’s refusal to engage seriously has left them with no choice but to strike.
“This action is avoidable, but Cadent needs to come back to the table with a fair offer that recognises workers’ right to a reasonable work–life balance.
“We encourage any Cadent worker affected by these pressures to join GMB so we can stand together for the fairness they deserve.”
