Industrial action earns pay rise and lump sum award for charity workers. 

Charity workers at Oxfam have won an improved pay award after taking part in the first strike action in the organisation’s history.

Following industrial action by Unite members, the majority of Oxfam workers secured a six per cent pay increase and lump-sum payments of £2,300.

The workers also successfully negotiated crucial commitments including ensuring Oxfam does not cause detriment to striking workers, the introduction of decent minimum pay, pay progression, and an improved recognition agreement for Unite.

The union said these commitments are key to ensuring Oxfam starts treating its workers with respect.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s Oxfam members are to be congratulated in their refusal to back down and their refusal to take no for an answer. Their hard-fought campaign has resulted in an improved pay offer, an improved lump-sum payment and better terms and conditions. Yet again, this shows there is power in a union.”

In a hard-fought campaign, Unite members took two days of industrial action earlier this month which was the first time they had done so in Oxfam’s history.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer, Jamie Major, added: “Oxfam thought it could trade on its charitable status to make a poor pay offer. 

“Our members took the fight to the picket line to make their strength of feeling clear. I’m delighted they have secured an improved offer.”