Staff members have launched their biggest walkout yet which is set to take place from Monday 3rd February until Friday 28th February 2025.
Unite and UNISON – two of the UK’s leading trade unions – announced the news of the strikes, which are taking place as a result of severe pay disputes. The news has followed previous strike action which took place in October, November and January. These involved repair, maintenance and call centre staff.
Now, this months strike includes all members of staff who are calling on Livv Housing Group – a Merseyside-based housing provider – to increase their pay in line with inflation.
Previously workers were offered a 5% pay rise though this was rejected with individuals claiming the company could do better. To give context, in March last year Livv Housing reported reserves of £110.6million.
It is expected that the month-long walkout will majorly affect households, with the majority unable to report any issues that crop up with their home. Currently, Liv Housing have delivered 13,000 properties since they were founded in July 2002.
‘After years of below-inflation pay rises, Livv Housing workers have had enough,’ Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary said. ‘They know Livv Housing has more than enough money to address the real terms pay cuts they have endured.
‘Their determination to win a fair pay deal is rock solid and they have Unite’s full backing for as long as it takes.’
John Sheppard, regional officer at Unite added: ‘The actions of Livv Housing’s leadership are directly responsible for the disruption caused to tenants.
‘They could end the strikes tomorrow by putting forward a fair deal, something Livv Housing has more than enough money to do.’
Echoing a similar tone, James Robinson, branch secretary for UNISON Knowsley, remarked: ‘Staff need a decent wage rise after seeing their pay slide for years. They put forward a reasonable and affordable claim.
‘Strikes are always a last resort, but workers have been left with no other option. They want to return their jobs and support residents, but they can’t until Livv Housing’s management holds proper negotiations.’
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