Zarah ChoudharyStaff at Knowsley-based Livv Housing are escalating their pay dispute, with strikes taking place throughout February, Unite and UNISON said today.
Repair, maintenance and call centre staff took strike action in October, November and January.
The February strike, beginning on Monday 3rd February and running to Friday 28th February, will be the longest yet, with staff walking out across the entire organisation.
The unions warned that more than 13,000 homes will be affected.
The employees rejected a 5% pay rise, claiming that it failed to reverse the real-terms pay cuts they have endured previously.
Livv Housing, which manages properties primarily in Knowsley, reported reserves of £110.6m in March 2024.
Additional strike dates will be announced if the dispute remains unresolved.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, 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.”
John Sheppard, regional officer at Unite, 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.”
James Robinson, Knowsley branch secretary at UNISON, 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.”
Workplace Journal contacted Livv Housing for comment prior to publication.
