BRITISH Gas workers say they have been told to sign new contracts or face being fired at the end of the month.
It’s the latest move in a long running dispute over what they say are ‘hire and fire’ tactics by British Gas management.
Local representative of the GMB union Phil Young, who was part of a demonstration in Redditch on Monday as part of a nationwide day of action, said: “We are disgusted by what they are doing.
“I have been with British Gas for 29 years and I’ve believed that was something to be proud of but the way we are being treated is appalling.”
Union officials say the new contracts will see a 15 per cent cut in pay rates and changes to terms and conditions that have already overwhelmingly been rejected.
“We understand the need for change but these need to be negotiated, not imposed and we just want management to get back round the table,” said Phil.
The union is considering an official national lockout unless the company pulls back from the brink.
Staff have until today, Thursday, to sign the new contracts or be sacked on April 1.
British Gas’s parent company is Centrica.
A Centrica spokesperson said: “We’re operating in an incredibly competitive market and British Gas has lost too many jobs and too many customers over recent years.
“Our changes are ultimately to protect and create jobs for the future.’’
