Building better pay

Construction workers at David Wilson Homes in the East Midlands have secured an improved pay rise after they stood together, with support from Unite reps.

Unite challenged the company’s failure to raise price-work rates, making it clear that it would raise a collective grievance as a next step if the company did not improve pay for its skilled workers.

Following this David Wilson Homes, part of major housebuilder Barratt Redrow, chose to resolve the dispute informally.

Around 30 workers will now receive a 2.5 per cent pay increase, backdated to 20 July 2026. This is a significant win which comes despite Unite not having formal recognition at the firm.

Stuart Grice, Bricklayer and Unite rep Stuart Grice, said he was “proud to have represented Unite members at David Wilson Homes as their work place representative in securing this pay increase.

“Despite Unite not having formal recognition at the company, the challenge by our members, and the threat of a collective grievance, from around 30 bricklayers, joiners and finishing-off bricklayers resulted in a pay rise that has been back dated.

“This shows what can be achieved when workers stand together and have a collective voice.”

This is a major win for affected construction workers employed under the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) arrangements as it shows their employers must raise their pay in line with national agreements.

Unite national officer for construction Adam Oakes added, “This result is a win for the members, but it also sends a clear message that construction workers deserve fair pay and a meaningful voice at work.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham welcomed the victory for the construction workers, saying, “This win demonstrates that workers can secure improvements to their pay even where their union isn’t yet formally recognised by their employer.

“Unite will always fight for our members and we urge construction workers to join the union and tell their colleagues to join too.”

This autumn Unite has seen a large number of pay wins for workers that show why it always pays to be in a union – this ranges from youth workers to scientists and food workers to airport staff. 

By Keith Hatch