Hundreds of meter fixers at energy giant E.ON are to go on strike in a work/life balance dispute, threatening disruption to repairs.
Unite said the walkout by almost 400 workers across England and Wales from 6am on Friday to midnight on Monday, could lead to faulty gas and electricity meters for households and businesses not being repaired.
Unite said its members were taking action in protest at proposals to extend their shifts by half an hour for three nights a week as part of a 2% pay deal.
The union said homes and businesses could have gas and electricity supplies cut off if faulty meters are not replaced, although Unite has pledged that its members will respond to emergencies that threaten the elderly and vulnerable.
Unite regional officer Micky Tuff said: “Our members view this demand for an extra 30 minutes of work three nights a week as the thin end of the wedge – before you know it, the bosses will be demanding an extra hour five days a week.
“Our members work a standard 37-hour week, but that could include a day starting at 8am and ending 12 hours later. They are now drawing a line in the sand over the issue of work/life balance.”
An E.ON spokesman said: “It is regretful that following careful and lengthy negotiations, trade union members in our meter operations business have rejected the offer which was fully recommended by the trade union negotiating team for acceptance.
“Our flexible end-of-day proposals, which are aimed at improving customer service, are fair and balanced and include an increase to pay and close controls and monitoring around the frequency worked.
“We have plans in place to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum and continue to be willing to talk and find a resolution to the situation.”
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