Social housing giant slammed for ‘strike breaking’ as workers down tools over low pay.

Staff at social housing provider Grand Union Housing are struggling to pay their own rent, says GMB union.

GMB Union have today announced strike action at Grand Union Housing, provider of 13,000 social homes across Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

The strike will see maintenance staff down tools on 22, 25 & 29 September and 2, 6, 9, 13 & 16 October.

The action comes after the company refused to negotiate on a pay offer to staff of just 2.1%.

Grand Union Housing has come under fire after confirming in an email to staff that contractor FSG Property Services LTD will be used to cover the work of striking workers.

Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, said:

“Our members keep tens of thousands of homes warm, safe and habitable; they deserve more than a pay offer of pennies.

“Our members are taking strike action to defend their living standards in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

“Many cannot afford their own rent and mortgage payments.

“Workers are outraged that company managers are now blatantly undermining their strike, calling it strike breaking.

“It's not too late for Grand Union Housing to do the right thing and get back around the table with an offer that reflects the contribution our members make to the company.”