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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Workers at Shelter win 7% pay rise after strike

This news post is about 1 year old
 

Staff will receive the significantly improved pay offer and a one-off payment after the win.

Workers at national housing charity Shelter have won a significant pay rise and one-off payment following a bitter dispute over pay. 

Workers at Shelter took part in strike action late last year, with more than 600 staff taking part in the walkout. 

During the strike action talks were held at the conciliation service Acas and an improved pay offer was made.

The revised offer was for an increase in pay of seven per cent, which was more than double the three per cent the workers had previously been offered. 

In addition, the workers will each receive a one off payment of £1,250. Following a ballot of members, the new offer was accepted.

Shelter’s management had imposed a three per cent pay increase in 2022  - leaving many of its own staff unable to pay their rent and at risk of being made homeless. 

The dispute became increasingly bitter after the charity’s management refused to enter into meaningful negotiations with representatives of Unite over this year’s pay deal, reportedly trying to impose one-off payments and real terms pay cuts for the year ahead. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a significant result, our members were prepared to stand together in unity and by doing so were able to secure a greatly improved pay increase.

“This is further proof of how Unite’s unflinching focus on jobs, pay and conditions is delivering substantial financial benefits for its members.”

The union gave full credit to the union’s reps at Shelter. 

Unite regional officer Peter Storey said: “Full credit must go to Unite’s reps and members without whose commitment and determination this victory would not have been possible.

“Unite has emerged from the dispute far stronger at Shelter and it is determined to ensure that members will continue to receive fair pay awards in the future.”