Northern Ireland

Housing Executive workers begin industrial action in pay dispute

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham Unite general secretary Sharon Graham

MAINTENANCE workers at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) have begun a four-week strike in a row over pay.

Trade union Unite said approximately 300 of its members were taking part in the action.

NIHE said it envisaged the strike directly impacting maintenance services in Craigavon, Coleraine and north and west Belfast and only emergency repairs would be carried out in these areas for the duration of the industrial action.

The union said its members were demanding cash payments alongside a consolidated two pay point increase above the national pay offer of 1.75 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Retail price inflation is already above 12 per cent and is widely forecast to hit 18 per cent by the end of the year.

"In such a cost-of-living crisis, workers need a decent pay increase to protect themselves and their families.

"The NI Housing Executive workers can count on the full support of my union as they fight to win a decent pay increase."

A Housing Executive spokesperson said: "The pay award of 2021/22 for all Housing Executive staff was collectively agreed at a national level and the pay increases have already been implemented.

"In addition to the national pay negotiations, a local claim was submitted by Nipsa and Unite in June and these discussions are on-going.

"We understand the impact of the rise in the cost of living and how it is affecting our colleagues.

"This is being considered at present through the 2022/23 national pay negotiations.

"A national pay offer was made on July 25 which includes £1,925 for all employees (providing higher pay increases (10.5%) for the lowest paid employees).

"We await the outcome of the national consultations on this offer and we will implement any agreement reached as quickly as possible."

Meanwhile, a stand-off between contractors and NIHE management over major works is continuing, with the potential the dispute could lead to multiple legal actions if no agreement is reached.

Ten contractors, out of 13, notified the executive they would no longer carry out the works, including refitting kitchens and bathrooms at properties across the region. One is in administration.

Stiff financial penalties are included in contracts if the work is not carried out. The executive could take the companies to court for breach of contract. Sources close to the firms said counter suits may then be filed.

Sources said the firms were offered a maximum 15 per cent uplift on the contracts, but this could only be applied after a period of four months continuing on the job.

Representatives of the companies told management they could not afford to absorb the costs and the uplift was not enough to cover the rising prices for labour and materials.

A separate dispute between the executive and three firms involved in more routine maintenance of properties was resolved last week.

In a statement prior to resolving that dispute, a NIHE spokesperson said: "Over the last two years and during very challenging circumstances, our teams and our contractors have been providing maintenance and improvement services to our tenants.

"Last year we delivered in excess of £190m within these areas - the largest annual investment in our properties since 2008.

"Investing in our stock also has an enormous impact on our local economy, sustaining jobs and securing supply chains across Northern Ireland - we are currently managing around 150 different contracts across our all maintenance activities."