ABOUT 1,300 electricity grid workers who “literally keep the lights on” in many parts of England are being balloted for strikes over pay, Unite announced today.

The union warned that UK Power Network’s staff, who repair, maintain and administrate the network across London, the south-east and the east, are “angry about a much-reduced pay offer.”

The firm — owned by Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Group — imposed a real-terms wage cut of 7 per cent in 2022-23 and has proposed an average of this month’s CPI and RPI inflation rates for the next financial year, according to Unite.

The union disputed claims from the company — which pocketed a whopping £2.4 billion in profits between 2017 and 2021 via standing charges on customers’ energy bills — that the package amounts to an 18 per cent salary boost.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “UK Power Networks’ rampant profiteering when people’s homes are freezing due to astronomical energy bills is a perfect illustration of why the UK’s economy is broken.

“Putting forward a pay offer our members could accept would barely make a dent in its obscene profits — the company can afford to pay and must do so.” 

The union’s four-week ballot, which opens today, runs until March 7.

A UK Power Networks spokesperson told the Morning Star: "We have long supported our employees and recognise their key role in our success.

"Most of our employees have received above inflation pay increases over recent years and a current formal offer tabled of around 18 per cent - based on current forecast inflation rates - covering 2022-23 has been made.

"Negotiations with Unite and our other recognised unions are ongoing. We hope to avoid strike action, however we are making plans to ensure our network remains resilient in the event Unite press ahead with strike action."