Southwark Council’s housing repair workers will not strike this month after its union successfully negotiated a new pay deal.
130 employees, responsible for fixing disrepair in council homes, will no longer down tools on October 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.
Southwark Council initially offered workers a pay increase of £1,925 but without London weighting – a mechanism that increases pay for those working in the capital.
Repair workers will now be paid £400 extra in London weighting. This has been backdated to April 2022, meaning an extra £700 in workers’ November pay packet.
Unite the Union announced the deal on Tuesday, October, 12, just two days before strike action was due to begin.
A tenants’ and residents’ association chair previously told the News disruption would mean “chaos” and “anguish” for residents awaiting repairs.
The latest deal means residents can expect repair services to run as usual.
Southwark Council Chief Executive Althea Lockerick said: “We would like to thank Unite and our staff for the constructive approach they have taken throughout, which has enabled us to reach an agreement.
“It has meant a swift end to potential strike action and disruption to our residents.”
Salaries for local council workers are recommended by the Local Government Association, the national membership body for local authorities in England and Wales.
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But during negotiations, Unite reminded Southwark Council that it was not legally obliged to follow its advice.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the agreement “proves that there’s nothing to stop councils reaching local deals”.
