Series of strikes planned at Langstane Housing Association

langstane-housing-imageStaff at Langstane Housing Association have voted to take industrial action over a pay dispute.

Trade union Unite said 25 of its members will undertake a series of strikes starting on Wednesday 13th September.

Unite regional organiser, Willie Wallace, claims “promises have been broken” with staff being offered a below-inflation pay deal.

He said: “We have offered to meet the company to have meaningful discussions to avoid the strikes.

“But for that to be worthwhile there has to be a better offer put on the table.

“Unfortunately the management at Langstane have not responded to our offer of further talks.

“40 years of Langstane serving the people of Aberdeen is a marvellous achievement and the staff have been rightly commended for all the work done to make that possible.

“But fine words don’t pay the rent or pay the mortgage. Surely in its birthday year there’s some cake to go round for the staff in the shape of a better wage rise.”

A spokesperson for Langstane Housing Association told Scottish Housing News: “The decision by some of our staff to take strike action is very disappointing. Langstane Housing Association wishes to resolve this dispute and is willing to engage in dialogue with the Union.

“The Association has offered staff what we firmly believe is a fair and reasonable offer, which is comparable to the local housing sector. The Association has applied cost of living increases year-on-year, during which time we have also protected the security of employment for our staff and maintained very favourable terms of employment.

“Whilst balancing the need to deliver high-quality services and protect jobs in the middle of a difficult economic climate, as a social housing provider we have to remain mindful of continuing to offer affordability to all of our tenants.

“If the planned strike action goes ahead, the Association will ensure that all essential services are delivered, particularly to our most vulnerable tenants.”

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