More than 100 workers from the housing association have been striking since October last year.
In 2024, staff members from Livv Housing – one of the biggest providers of social housing in Knowsley and manages more than 13,000 properties across the Liverpool City Region – became locked in an industrial dispute with union officials, which led to an eight-month long standoff.
Image: Livv Housing workers on strike
The strikes started after union members refused a 5% pay rise that Livv Housing offered it’s workers last year. Alongside failing to consider the rising cost-of-living, Unison told the housing association they needed to address ‘the real terms pay cut of 30% that its staff have experienced since 2011’.
Following months of uncertainty, unions and Livv Housing have reached an agreement that will end strike action. A statement from Unite, which was published today (Tuesday 3rd June) confirmed workers have voted to accept a pay rise of 7.7% plus a £175 non-consolidated payment.
Likewise, the deal also states matched pension contributions will increase from 6% to 10% and a pension salary scheme will be implemented to help members benefit from tax savings.
Commenting on the news, Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: ‘Massive congratulations to our members at Livv Housing who stood strong for eight months to win this fantastic deal. As this result shows, Unite always gives maximum support to workers fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions.’
On the subject of better conditions, the deal also states there will be a reduction in the working week from 40 hours to 39. However, a working group from the employer and union side will be established to look at further lowering this to 38 hours or less within the next 12 months.
‘This deal is a real step forward and could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our reps and members,’ John Sheppard, regional officer of Unite, said. ‘It is a prime example of why housing workers wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.’
Image: Livv Housing
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