Effect of change in welding process

[Sathish V P]

Dear Sirs,

I have a query on the effect of change in welding process for the following case

1. SA36 round bar to be welded between 2 tubes CS tube with SS clad ( SA210/SA304L) - CS 4.5MM and SS Clad - 1.8-2MM Thick

Welding is carried out with 309L filler metal. 

The proposed process is SMAW but the contractor wants to do it with GTAW since they dont have skilled welder to weld with SMAW.

Will this have any effect on the strength. 

Thanks,

Sathish