National Grid staff to be balloted on strike which could cause mass blackouts

Up to 700 National Grid workers will be balloted for strike action in a move which could cause mass power cuts across the country in the New Year.

Unite union will ballot its members in the transmission department of National Grid – which covers substations and overhead lines – concerning changes to the terms and conditions of new starters and pay settlements for 2009.

Unite union said talks had been taking place with National Grid since April this year, but no resolution had been found for the workers’ grievances.

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The ballot will commence on 14 December and close on 5 January 2010.

Michael Tuff, Unite regional officer, said: “We are disappointed that we have been put in a position of having to ballot for industrial action, but a very profitable company will not sit down and hold serious discussions regarding the terms and conditions.”