Industrial action to hit social housing giant slammed for ‘poverty pay’

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

The industrial action will see maintenance staff work to rule for three months, meaning overtime and extra duties will be refused in the maintenance department across the company’s housing stock.

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

Rachelle Wilkins, GMB Organiser, said:

“For Grand Union Housing to treat hard working staff this way is a disgrace.

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

“Many of our members at Grand Union Housing cannot afford their own rent and mortgage payments.

“During a cost-of-living crisis, a poverty pay offer like this just will not cut it.

“This work to rule action will see company productivity slowed, but it is only the first step on our campaign to deliver the pay justice our members deserve.

“It’s time for Grand Union Housing to get back around the table with an offer that reflects the contribution our members make to the company.”