Striking workers have picketed a housing association's office in a dispute over pay.
London Sanctuary Housing workers based in Hackney staged the walkout yesterday (March 4), as well as on Thursday and Friday last week (February 29 and March 1).
They held up banners for their union Unite outside the housing association’s offices in Kingsmead Way.
Union bosses have warned that the pay dispute will “continue to escalate” unless the housing association engages with workers’ demands.
According to Unite, Sanctuary Housing does not currently recognise the workers’ union and has not engaged in pay negotiations.
The workers, who carry out repair jobs across the capital, are angry that their pay was only increased by 4% last year, claiming that inflation stood at more than 11% at the time.
Their union claims that Sanctuary Housing revenues stood at £943 million in the same period, and that its CEO, Craig Moule, earns £380,000 a year.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Sanctuary Housing is behaving appallingly.
“It imposed a significant pay cut on its workers during the worst cost of living crisis in a generation despite its extremely healthy financial position.
“It is also refusing to recognise the collective bargaining rights of its unionised workers.
“This is completely unacceptable, and our Sanctuary members have their union’s unwavering and total support.”
The strike has impacted scheduled and emergency repairs to Sanctuary Housing’s stock across the capital.
Sanctuary Housing was contacted for a response.
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