Received from: TUC Young Workers' Conference
Congress notes that Centrica/British Gas served a section 188 notice on the GMB in July 2020 before meaningful negotiations over plans to “modernise” terms and conditions.
They gave “field-based” workers an ultimatum – sign their deal by 23/12/20 or lose up to £2,000 and other employment rights.
GMB members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action (89 per cent), yet the company refused further negotiations.
Parent company, Centrica plc UK, domestic heating business, declared an adjusted operating profit of £229m during the first half of 2020, up 27 per cent. Despite this, Centrica have continued trying to cut pay and conditions.
During the pandemic, employers such as British Airways have also threatened workers with fire and rehire on worse pay and conditions.
Congress believes:
i. The unjust, unfair practice of fire and rehire is a threat to workers – trade unions must work together to oppose it.
ii. This is a bare-faced attempt to drive down pay and working conditions that unions have worked hard to secure. If we do not confront it now, usage will increase.
Congress resolves to:
a. campaign with affiliated unions under the banner of the TUCYWF to outlaw fire and rehire and raise public awareness
b. organise a webinar to educate trade unionists on how it is being used and what we can do to fight against it
c. write to Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea condemning his actions and demanding he removes his threat to fire and rehire British Gas workers and share this on social media.
TUC Young Workers Conference