Our Ref: GS/kh/NGrid
14 January 2009
For the attention of GMB members at National Grid,
Newcastle Site.
Dear Colleagues
As you will be aware, for sometime the trade unions on site have
been concerned about the future of the Newcastle Site. Our
fear is that, in seeking to cut costs through the review of shared
service operations, the Newcastle office may suffer. As
members will know, the Company is also complaining about the impact
that the current economic downturn is having on the business,
particularly the cost of borrowing. These wider economic
issues could obviously have a bearing on the Company's thinking
when it comes to the future of the Newcastle site.
Before Christmas Ralph Tuart led a joint union delegation to
meet with Stephen Byers, MP, to express our concerns. I had
suggested that this meeting be arranged in order to keep Stephen
Byers, MP, abreast of the situation. I have also now met with
Stephen Byers, MP, and he in turn has contacted the
Company.
It is stressed that, at this stage, the Company
has given no indication about any decision on the future of the
Newcastle site. In meeting the MP GMB and Unison were simply
being proactive.
Stephen Byers, MP has now indicated that he wishes to attend the
Site on Friday, 23rd January 2009. We are
currently awaiting confirmation from the Company as to whether they
can facilitate a meeting which will involve local and national
officers of the Union as well as the Shop Stewards. If a
meeting goes ahead we will try to be as inclusive as possible with
members.
Once again it is stressed that the Company has not indicated
that they have taken a view on the future of the site, GMB is
committed to actively fighting to ensure that the Newcastle offices
are kept open. National Grid remains a hugely profitable
company and we should be taking their responsibilities to long
serving and loyal employees seriously, particularly in an
environment where unemployment is rising. We will be making
the point forcible to the Company that they continue to be
extremely generous to shareholders and Directors and they now need
to show some commitment to the Newcastle workforce.
Yours sincerely
GARY SMITH
NATIONAL SECRETARY
Commercial Services Section