Over 300 staff responsible for Harlow District Council’s housing stock have ended strike action after a pay deal was reached.
The workers, who are employed by HTS, which is wholly owned by Harlow DC, took strike action in February, April, May and June.
They argued they were being paid less than workers doing the same jobs at other local authorities and demanded a cost-of-living payment and for a regrading of their pay bands.
A deal has now been reached that includes a non-consolidated payment of £1,500 for all employees earning less than £40,000. The deal will also see a complete review of all job roles by the Local Government Association to ensure the workers are paid the correct salaries.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘Our members at HTS were absolutely determined to win this dispute and resolve the issues with their pay. This victory shows what can be achieved when workers stand together. Once again, Unite’s total commitment to protecting and improving jobs, pay and conditions is paying dividends for our members.’
The council said: ‘As a shareholder of HTS, we are pleased that a deal has been accepted by the workers. Part of the deal will see an independent review of all job roles within HTS. We have always said that it is important that HTS staff are on the right pay scales for the jobs they do. The one-off payment will be funded by existing HTS budgets, and we have committed to ensure that the outcomes of the independent pay review are funded.’
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