Strikes planned at Langstane Housing in Aberdeen

A pay dispute is ongoing

Published 6th Sep 2017

Almost 40 members of staff are going to be walking out at Langstane Housing next week.

They're unhappy with their latest pay deal - which the Unite the Union claims is less than what they were promised last year.

83% of members voted for a series of strikes, starting on Wednesday 13th September.

Regional Organiser Willie Wallace says staff don't feel they're being treated fairly.

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 statement from Langstane Housing Association said: "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."