More than 700 gas emergency workers have voted to strike as GMB warns of a looming crisis in the sector.
Almost 750 Northern Gas Network (NGN) workers are set to walk out over workplace issues which they say pose a serious health risk to the public.
Emergency gas engineers work around the clock fixing gas leaks across the north of England.
But they are being forced to work such long hours fatigue is a serious issue – a clear danger when working with flammable, toxic gas leaks.
Meanwhile those with covid are not given sick pay - and told to wear masks, even when working in care homes with vulnerable residents.
GMB members have raised these issues with management, but their calls have fallen on deaf ears. S
trike dates will be announced in the coming days – industrial action could see towns and cities across the north facing major disruption if gas leaks cannot be fixed.
Andrew Aldwinkle, GMB Organiser, said:
“Emergency gas engineers do a difficult, dangerous job with toxic, flammable gas.
“Do we really want them so fatigued they might make a mistake? Apparently, NGN bosses don’t care.
"The fact they have no sick pay means many feel forced to work, even with COVID and even in places like care homes.
“All these engineers want is reasonable working conditions and to keep the public safe.
“If they don’t get it, we face disruption right across the north of England.”
