130 council workers ‘sick of poor pay’ set for strike action

More than 100 housing repair workers will take strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions at Southwark council.

The 130 workers have rejected the national pay offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925.

Unite members say they are taking action after rejecting the pay offer, described by the union as a “real terms pay cut”.

Strikes will take place on October 12,13,18, 19 and 20.

A spokesman from Unite said: “Southwark also operates an out-of-date hierarchical annual leave system where the more senior you are the more holidays you get. 

“The chief executive gets 36 days but apprentices get just 26.”

A survey of more than 1,400 Unite members in local authorities suggested 48 per cent have struggled to afford heating, electricity and water bills.

Of those surveyed, 30 per cent said they struggled to afford food and clothing, with almost a quarter skipping meals to save money.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Housing repair workers provide critical frontline council services. They are sick of poor pay and outdated conditions.

“Despite the essential roles they undertake, Southwark council thinks another real terms pay cut is acceptable, at a time when workers increasingly can’t make ends meet.

“Unite never takes a backward step in supporting its members and is dedicated to enhancing their jobs, pay and conditions. 

“Unite will be providing members in Southwark with its complete support in their fight for better pay and fairer conditions.”

Southwark council have been approached for comment.

(Picture: PA)