Threats of strike action throughout Manchester have ended, after housing and public building staff secured an eight per cent pay rise.

Increased pay offer

Further to the annual salary increase, which will be backdated from 1 April 2023, staff working on the Manchester city council’s housing contracts for outsourced contractor Equans achieved an additional £10 on their callout fee, also backdated to April, taking it from £20, to £30 per callout.

The improved pay offer was made by the company after 120 members of Unite had voted for industrial action.

Alongside the pay increases, EQANS has agreed to establish a working group, which will address issues and concerns concerning working environment which Unite’s members wish to raise.

Worker unity

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “This victory by our members highlights how standing side by side and being prepared to take strike action achieves immediate and future improvements for their jobs, pay and conditions – whether that be through positive discussions or industrial action.”

Following a ballot of members, the pay offer was accepted, and the industrial dispute was concluded.

Strength and Solidarity

Unite regional officer, Darren Barton, said: “Our members should be incredibly proud of the strength and solidarity showcased here, as they’ve proved that negotiations can result in positive changes.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite communications advisor Hannah Thornley: 07710 094 492

Email: hannah.thornley@unitetheunion.org 

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.