Hundreds of low-paid workers at Knowsley-based Livv Housing are escalating their pay dispute with strikes taking place throughout February, Unite and UNISON said today (Friday).

Repair, maintenance and call centre staff already took strike action in October, November and January.

The February strike, beginning on Monday (3 February) and running to Friday 28 February, will be the longest yet, with staff walking out across the entire organisation. More than 13,000 homes will be affected.

The dispute stems from years of below-inflation pay increases. The workers have rejected a five per cent pay rise as it fails to reverse the real-terms pay cuts they have endured previously, say the unions.

Livv Housing, which manages properties primarily in Knowsley, reported reserves of £110.6 million in March 2024.

Additional strike dates will be announced if the dispute remains unresolved.

Significant disruption will be caused to Livv Housing’s entire operations, including to tenant services.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “After years of below-inflation pay rises, Livv Housing workers have had enough. They know Livv Housing has more than enough money to address the real-terms pay cuts they have endured.

“Their determination to win a fair pay deal is rock solid and they have Unite’s full backing for as long as it takes.” 

Unite regional officer John Sheppard said: “The actions of Livv Housing’s leadership are directly responsible for the disruption caused to tenants.

“They could end the strikes tomorrow by putting forward a fair deal, something Livv Housing has more than enough money to do.”

UNISON Knowsley branch secretary James Robinson said: “Staff need a decent wage rise after seeing their pay slide for years. They put forward a reasonable and affordable claim.

“Strikes are always a last resort, but workers have been left with no other option. They want to return to their jobs and support residents, but they can’t until Livv Housing’s management holds proper negotiations.”

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.