Power workers threaten to strike over union claims of 'rampant profiteering'

03 February 2023 , 19:04

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Power workers threaten to strike over union claims of 'rampant profiteering'

Power workers are threatening to strike over what a union claims is “rampant profiteering” by an industry giant.

Around 1,300 staff at UK Power Networks are being balloted in a pay row.

The workers repair and maintain the electricity grid in London, the South East and East of England.

The Unite union says workers are angry that UK Power Networks, owned by Hong Kong conglomerate CK Group, has failed to offer a pay rise that meets the retail prices index measure of inflation.

It has made profits of £2.4bn since 2019.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

Power workers are threatening to strike (Getty Images)

Unite chief Sharon Graham said: “Rampant profiteering when homes are freezing is a perfect illustration of why the economy is broken.”

Unite claims the firm this year “imposed” a 7% rise, with an average of the consumer prices and retail prices index on offer next year.

UK Power Networks has said it had offered around 18% over two years. The company said: “We have long supported our employees.”

Graham Hiscott