Shelter pay dispute ends in victory

The long running pay dispute at housing and homelessness charity Shelter has ended after workers accepted a vastly improved pay offer.

Over 600 members of Unite took strike action last December over pay.

During the strike action talks were held at the conciliation service Acas and an improved pay offer was made. The revised offer was for an increase in pay of seven per cent, which was more than double the three per cent the workers had previously been offered. In addition, the workers will each receive a one off payment of £1,250. Following a ballot of members, the new offer was accepted.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This was a significant result, our members were prepared to stand together in unity and by doing so were able to secure a greatly improved pay increase.

“This is further proof of how Unite’s unflinching focus on jobs, pay and conditions is delivering substantial financial benefits for its members.”

Unite regional officer Peter Storey added, “Full credit must go to Unite’s reps and members without whose commitment and determination this victory would not have been possible.

“Unite has emerged from the dispute far stronger at Shelter and it is determined to ensure that members will continue to receive fair pay awards in the future.”

By Barckley Sumner