Over 200 workers employed by Livv housing have begun for strike action in a dispute over pay.

The dispute is a result of Livv housing forcing workers to accept below inflation offers for many years, causing severe pressure on personal finances. The workers have rejected a five per cent pay increase, as this does not reverse the real terms pay cuts they have experienced.

The ballot which involves members of both Unite and Unison opens today (Monday 19 August) and closes on Tuesday 17 September. If members vote for industrial action then walkouts could begin later this autumn.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The behaviour of Livv housing is shameful. This is an organisation that is pretending to be a cuddly not for profit organisation but is in reality hellbent on forcing its members into poverty while management enjoys large bonuses.

“The Unite members in the dispute have the complete support of their union.

Livv housing managed and maintains over 13,000 properties primarily in the Knowsley area. Despite being officially, a not for profit organisation the company is extremely financially successful. It made a profit of over £40,000 per employee last year.

Despite refusing to make a pay offer that will meet workers’ expectations, the company created a bonus pot of £140,000 for its small executive team.

James Robinson, UNISON branch secretary, said: "Livv Housing Group have reported multi million pound surpluses for the last five years, awarded their CEO a 19 per cent pay rise, bringing her total to more than £255,000 per year and increased the number of staff earning £90K or more by 33 per cent. 


“This is all whilst staff have seen their pay eroded, pensions removed, terms and conditions worsened, and rents continue to go up."

If strikes go ahead then it will affect all areas of the business, repairs, maintenance, customer services and will cause severe disruption to tenants.

Unite regional officer John Sheppard said: “Strike action would cause huge disruption to tenants, but this dispute has been caused by Livv’s refusal to make a fair pay offer to our members.

“This dispute can still be resolved through negotiations but Livv needs to make an offer that members find acceptable.”

ENDS

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