Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, are stepping up strike action this week after their employer Walsall Housing Group imposed a real-terms pay cut on the workers.

The company has imposed a 3.1 per cent increase and an additional £300 one-off payment on the workers, far below the current real inflation rate (RPI) of 12.3 per cent.

Below inflation increase

The Walsall Housing Group workers play an essential role in keeping tenants' homes safe and repaired.

Over 40 members of Unite at Walsall Housing Group will take 12 days of strike action over the coming weeks on October 21, 24, 28 and 31 and then on 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and 28 November.

Pay cut 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Amid the worst squeeze on wages in living memory, it is no wonder that Unite's members at Walsall Housing Group have rejected the imposition of a real-terms pay cut by their employer.

“Unite does what it says on the trade union tin and always fights for its members’ jobs, pay and conditions. Our members at Walsall Housing Group will be backed fully by their union in this dispute.”

Wide range of roles

Unite’s members are involved in a variety of roles including all craft trades (electricians, gas engineers, roofers, carpenters) as well as in admin, support and surveying roles. Strike action will mean repairs and planned maintenance work are cancelled or delayed.

The union is pursuing a claim for unlawful inducement by Walsall Housing Group as the pay imposition is a breach of the collective bargaining agreement with Unite.  

Real terms pay cut 

Unite regional officer Nathan Allen said: "Unite’s members are taking strike action as a last resort as a direct consequence of Walsall Housing Group imposing a real-terms pay cut.

 “Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to Walsall Housing Group’s tenants but this dispute is entirely of the employer’s own making.”

Affordable housing

Walsall Housing Group provides affordable homes to rent, shared ownership and for sale across the Midlands.

The GMB union is also involved in the dispute.

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.