HUNDREDS of gas workers could go on strike next month as bosses ignore chronic fatigue sweeping across the workforce, GMB union has said.

Northern Gas Network (NGN) workers are balloting on industrial action, which could lead to major disruptions across the north of England as gas leaks go unrepaired.

GMB is calling for a series of changes to their working conditions including a reduced working week, better sick pay, reasonable overtime rates and an end to bullying.

Their demands aimed at preventing rising levels of burnout have been ignored by bosses, the union said.

A recent ballot saw 99.5 per cent supporting strike action on a 97 per cent turnout.

The formal strike ballot opened on Monday September 2 and will last until September 16.

Walkouts could begin as early as October.

GMB organiser Andrew Aldwinkle said: “These workers do a hard and dangerous job to maintain the safety of the public and to keep the heating on in our homes.

“We want NGN to do the right thing by its workforce and the public — address workers' concerns and put right the inadequacies in their terms and conditions.

“This is not about pay — it’s about making work better.”

Mr Aldwinkle added: “NGN makes millions in profits every year with shareholders reaping massive financial payouts on the backs of working people — it’s time workers got a share of that profit.”

NGN CEO Mark Horsley said the possibility of action is “disappointing” and that the company has “some of the best terms and conditions in the industry.”