Members of Unite, GMB and Unison are taking strike action for the second time this month against proposals from Eon that staff work an extra half-an-hour three nights a week as part of a 2 per cent pay deal for 2015.
Unite blamed the “continuing intransigence by the management” for sparking the second strike.
Unite regional officer Micky Tuff said: “Our members view this demand for an extra 30 minutes of work three nights-a-week as the thin end of the wedge – before you know it the bosses will be demanding an extra hour five days-a-week.
“We have held talks with the Eon management since the previous four-day strike, but the bosses have dug their heels in. We have been forced into a corner by this hardline attitude, hence the upcoming four-day strike.
“Eon can resolve this dispute very swiftly by getting back around the table with the intention of abandoning the plans for the extra 30 minutes, three days-a-week.”
The strike could be costly for Eon which will have to pay compensation of £40 to customers who have their appointment with a meter fixer changed or cancelled. Customers could also have their power cut off if faulty meters are not fixed but the union has pledged that its members will respond to emergencies that threaten the elderly and vulnerable.
A spokesperson for Eon said: “We continue to look for a constructive way forward.”
The Unite workforce had voted by 66 per cent to 33 per cent for strike action and the strike will take place between Friday 1 July and Monday 4 July.