Strike by Sandwell Council building workers called off after new pay deal agreed

Around 100 employees who are members of the Unite union had planned to walk out

Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 2nd Feb 2024

Strikes by building workers with Sandwell Council have been called off.

Unite has confirmed a new pay deal's been agreed for around a hundred staff who had planned to walk out.

They include carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers and decorators.

A spokesperson for Unite said:

The carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers. roofers, glaziers, plumbers and painters and decorators were scheduled to begin 14 days strike action over February and March next week.

Following negotiations between Unite and Sandwell council’s leader and chief executive, Shokat Lal, an offer was put forward to pay the workers a market supplement of £2,703.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Congratulations to Sandwell council’s building workers, who used their collective power to achieve this deal. Unite does what it says on the trade union tin and secures better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

Unite regional officer Lee Wiggetts-Clinton said: “Special credit must go to the Unite reps at Sandwell. Without their hard work and commitment this pay victory would not have been possible.”

Sandwell council has agreed to pay the supplement on 26 February. If the supplement is not paid on that date, industrial action will resume.

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