Call backlogs, delayed jobs and faulty repairs by third-party contractors impacting services for 13,000 homes

Knowsley Livv Housing strikes by hundreds of workers have intensified causing further disruption to repair and maintenance services.

The dispute is a result of workers experiencing many years of below inflation pay rises. As a consequence, the workers have rejected a pay increase of five per cent because this does not reverse the real terms pay cuts they have previously experienced.

Livv Housing, which manages and maintains over 13,000 properties primarily in the Knowsley area, reported reserves of £110.6 million in March 2024.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Livv Housing workers have had enough of being underpaid by an organisation that has amassed tens of millions of pounds. Unite is backing them 100 per cent as they strike to win a fair pay deal.”

The repair, maintenance and call centre workers began targeted periods of strike action in October that have now escalated. 

The industrial action has caused customer services delays and a backlog of repair and maintenance jobs that have resulted in pre-organised callouts being delayed. Repair and maintenance workers have also had to fix faulty and potentially unsafe repairs by third party contractors brought into undermine the strike action.

Unite’s members will take fresh strike action on 22, 25, 28, 29 and 30 November and 1 December. Unison members will take further strike action on 22, 25, 26 and 29 November. Additional strikes will be called if the dispute is not resolved. 

Unite regional officer John Sheppard said: “Livv Housing’s disgraceful attempts to undermine the strike action by bringing in third party contractors has backfired. Not only have our members been required to fix faulty repair jobs that have simply added to the disruption. Livv’s underhand tactics have also strengthened their resolve. The only way to end this dispute is for Livv to put forward an offer our members will accept.”

James Robinson, branch secretary of Knowsley Unison said: "After years of real terms pay cuts and attacks on terms and conditions, these workers have taken a stand and said enough is enough. Livv Housing Group reports multi-million profits with the CEO paid more than a quarter of a million pounds a year. This can be settled, but so far Livv Housing is choosing not to.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.