Bryan HayLondon Sanctuary Housing repair and maintenance workers, members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, are continuing their strikes which are impacting around 10,000 homes in the capital, including several hundred in Hackney. These fresh strikes stem from ongoing disputes over pay and union recognition that began in February, with more actions planned throughout April.
The conflict arose after a 4% pay rise was imposed in April 2023, during a period when the real rate of inflation (RPI) stood at 11.4%, effectively resulting in a significant pay cut for the workers in real terms. The situation has been exacerbated by Sanctuary Housing’s financial status, with the company holding assets over £5.6 billion and a surplus of £101.3 million, alongside a CEO earning £400,000 annually. Despite these figures, the company has been resistant to recognizing unions.
The dispute has deepened as more workers, particularly the lower-paid who report needing to use foodbanks, join the strike actions. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, criticised Sanctuary Housing’s practices, stating: “Sanctuary talks a good game about being not for profit but behaves like a corporate shark: It rakes in millions, pays its CEO an obscene salary, has workers using foodbanks and refuses to recognise unions.”
The strike will affect repair and maintenance operations across numerous properties, including major estates like Gascoyne, Kingsmead, and Morningside. Scheduled strike dates are set for 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26 April, which will disrupt hundreds of scheduled repair jobs.
Unite regional officer Matt Freeman highlighted the broader implications of the dispute, saying: “Sanctuary Housing is responsible for instigating this dispute and owes its tenants an apology for compelling its workers to resort to strike action. Sanctuary’s leadership must return with a satisfactory offer, as the ongoing industrial action will only escalate until a resolution is reached.”
Additionally, it was revealed last week that Sanctuary has discontinued a £500 retention bonus, previously introduced during the height of the cost-of-living crisis, further aggravating tensions between the workforce and the company.
