South Yorkshire politicians support British Gas workers as contracts are burned in protest

By Lloyd Bent
Published 22nd Jan 2021, 16:55 BST
Updated 22nd Jan 2021, 17:03 BST
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Leaders of South Yorkshire’s councils have shown their support for British Gas workers in the county who are protesting against ‘shameful’ fire and rehire tactics.

Today British Gas workers have burnt new contracts as they staged another strike as part of a long-running dispute with company Centrica PLC over pay and conditions.

Members of the GMB union are taking several days of industrial action in protest at changes to their pay and hours.

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This afternoon Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Leaders of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Councils has issued a joint statement in support of the workers and their union in their industrial action.

British Gas workers burn contracts outside the headquarters of CentricaBritish Gas workers burn contracts outside the headquarters of Centrica
British Gas workers burn contracts outside the headquarters of Centrica

Writing in a joint statement, the South Yorkshire leaders said: “It is completely unacceptable that long-serving and dedicated British Gas workers are being threatened with shameful ‘fire and rehire’ tactics during contract re-negotiations with their employer Centrica PLC.

"They have been left with no option but to take further strike action.

“We wholeheartedly support the British Gas workers and the GMB Union in taking this action and send our solidarity to the striking workers and their families.

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“We call on Chris O’Shea and the Centrica leadership to drop these shameful tactics and resume negotiations with the GMB.”