Union warns Cadent Gas to ‘pay more or face strike action’

Staff at gas giant Cadent could go on strike over a pay dispute.

The GMB Union will launch a ballot on the 25th of March, for its 2,000 members, which already rejected a below-inflation pay increase of 4% as inflation is predicted to reach 8%.

The gas firm made an operating profit of £901m in 2021 whilst its CEO Steve Fraser was paid £1.4m.

Cadent Gas is the largest of the four gas distribution network companies, maintaining the gas network to homes and businesses throughout five regions in England; North West, East and West Midlands, East Anglia and North London.

Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said: “GMB members have already rejected a pay deal – what Cadent is offering amounts to a big real terms pay cut.

“There is a cost-of-living crisis and inflation is rocketing. Cadent is struggling to recruit because it doesn’t pay enough and its workforce is going elsewhere to better paid jobs.

“The company made £900 million profit last year and needs to wake up what happening in the jobs market and the issues facing workers.

“The bottom line; pay more or face strike action.”

Cadent Gas has been contacted for comment.