Council reaches agreement with Unite that prevents strike action

11 October 2023

Southwark Council has reached a positive agreement with Unite the Union ending the pay and conditions dispute for some staff working in housing repairs and pest control services.

The agreement means that proposed strike action has been successfully avoided.

Althea Loderick, Chief Executive of Southwark Council, said: “We are very pleased to confirm that we have reached a fair deal for our staff following positive talks with Unite. We would like to thank Unite and our staff for the constructive approach they have taken throughout, which has enabled us to reach an agreement. It has meant a swift end to potential strike action and disruption to our residents.

“We strive to be an exemplary employer in all that we do for our staff. This includes listening to our workforce and seeking to resolve any issues they raise. Through doing so, we can continue providing excellent services that Southwark can be proud of. We hope the positive result here shows our deep commitment to making sure the borough is the best place it can be to live in and work for.”

Unite had proposed strike action between 12–14 October and 18–20 October 2023. The positive agreement between the council and Unite will mean improved employment terms for some 180 staff including:

  • changes to their annual leave allocation
  • changes to the calculation of London weighting (this is an additional payment to reflect the higher cost of living in London compared to the rest of the country.)

Page last updated: 11 October 2023

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