Housing Association repair staff secure major pay win

Over 300 workers employed by housing association Sanctuary in its repairs department have secured an additional nine per cent pay increase.

The workers who are Unite members, recently held a demonstration about pay concerns. This followed an intense period of recruitment and organising by Unite among the workforce.

Following the demonstration, Sanctuary’s management confirmed that the repairs staff who are based throughout the UK would receive a nine per cent pay increase which is in addition to the four per cent already offered, taking the total increase to 13 per cent. In addition new starters will receive a £500 bonus recruitment bonus while existing staff will receive a £500 retention bonus.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is an excellent result for our members in Sanctuary’s repairs’ department and demonstrates what can be achieved when members are organised and prepared to take action.

“Unite is now entirely dedicated to defending and enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members. Unite is already working with its members in housing associations across the UK to ensure they receive fair pay rises.”

Unite is now applying pressure on Sanctuary to extend the pay increase to all of the housing association’s employees.

The union also remains committed to resolving issues of bullying that exist in the repairs department and to amend proposed changes to travelling time which will impact on the length of working day.

Unite regional officer Matt Freeman said, “This was a significant victory on pay and Unite will be using this as a launch pad to resolve other issues at Sanctuary including ensuring all workers receive the same pay increase, problems of bullying are resolved and making sure any changes to travel time aren’t detrimental to our members.”

Following the pay agreement at Sanctuary Unite is in the process of seeking to secure similar agreements at other major housing associations. 

By Barckley Sumner