Unite, the UK’s leading union, has secured an additional £400 million for members involved in disputes since Sharon Graham was elected general secretary.

 

81 per cent win rate

 

Since August 2021, Unite has resolved 460 disputes, with a win rate of 81 per cent, and an increase for workers averaging between £3,000 - £4,000, depending on their sector. Over 137,000 members have been involved in industrial disputes during this time.

 

The biggest pay increase was in July 2022, when workers at Lerwick Port Authority (in Shetland) secured a 34 per cent pay increase.

 

Unite premium

 

The most industrially active area of the union has been the bus/passenger transport sector where there have been 140 disputes. Detailed analysis by Unite of Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal wage rates in this sector have risen overall by £2,000. However, where Unite members have been involved in a dispute, pay has increased on average by £3,170, creating a Unite premium of £1,170. 

 

Among the largest wins in the sector was a 20.1 per cent increase for West Midlands Metro workers achieved in November 2022 and a 20 per cent increase for Hull Stagecoach bus drivers, which was also secured in the same month.

 

Focus on jobs, pay and conditions 

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s unrelenting focus on jobs, pay and conditions is directly resulting in significant pay increases for our members and putting money in their pockets.

 

“The Unite premium of £1,170 secured by bus workers who have taken industrial action underlines the value of being a member of our union.

 

“Unite’s pay victories would not, and could not, have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of its members, who have been prepared to put their heads above the parapet and a make a stand against their employers to secure fair pay deals.”

 

Policy conference 

 

The union has revealed its findings as members meet in Brighton for the union’s biennial policy conference.

 

ENDS

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

 

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.