Maintenance workers accept RPI plus pay increase; Workers also secured an extra day of annual leave; Industrial action called off as result of deal

Workers who conduct critical maintenance throughout Norfolk’s Community and Health Care Trust have called off planned industrial action, after accepting a pay deal of up to 10 per cent.
The members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, secured the increase from January 1, 2023 – three months earlier than the usual 1 April pay anniversary date - which will see staff receive a minimum of a six per cent increase, rising to 10 per cent, depending on their trade and grade.

The last few months have seen more than 10 days of strike action, highlighting the vital value of the workers to Norse Commercial Services. After the company originally offered a pay rise of four per cent - under half that of the current rate of inflation – it swiftly revised the proposal after members geared up for more strikes over Christmas.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Maintenance workers are an integral part of the running of our hospitals and health centres, so it’s only right their pay reflects this.

“The original offer was a significant real terms pay cut, and we made clear that our members would not accept anything other than a fair increase. This pay deal demonstrates how Unite’s laser like focus on jobs, pay and conditions is paying dividends for its members.”

The workers also secured an extra day’s annual leave.

Unite regional officer, Adam Oakes, added: “The Christmas period is already a stressful time for our healthcare service, so I’m pleased that the increased offer means we can cancel the planned industrial action.

“The agreement proves that even small groups of members can achieve significant improvements by taking action.”

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Hannah Thornley.

  • 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.