MORE than 700 Ofgem workers are voting on whether take strike action in a dispute over pay and jobs, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) announced today.
The ballot of PCS members working for the energy regulator in Glasgow, London and Cardiff runs until June 12.
General secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Ofgem managers have been deliberately provocative in their dealings with us.
“Rather than driving through sticking-plaster solutions for organisation-wide problems, they should reach agreement with us before committing to changes that risk industrial action.”
Earlier this week, PCS delegate Chris McNerney told the STUC conference: “Many PCS members at Ofgem are in fuel poverty and, just like many other consumers, they are forced to choose between heating and eating.
“Many also struggle with basic necessities like food or housing and some are even forced to rely on foodbanks, charities and crisis loans to stay afloat.”
An Ofgem spokesperson said that the regulator was “disappointed” by the PCS announcement, adding: “We still hope to resolve these issues without industrial action, but should they proceed, our priority will be to serve energy consumers across Britain.”
