More than 100 workers were involved in strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions
A picket line outside Livv Housing Group in Prescot during strike in April(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Long-running strikes have now come to an end after union officials confirmed its workers had accepted a ‘fantastic’ pay offer from employer Livv Housing.
Livv Housing is one of the leading providers of social housing in Knowsley and manages more than 13,000 properties across the Liverpool City Region and the North West – primarily in the Knowsley area. The firm became locked in an industrial dispute with union officials last year, which led to a standoff lasting seven months.
Livv Housing had initially offered staff a 5% pay increase, but union members refused that offer, with Unison asking the housing association to address ‘the real-terms pay cut of 30% that its staff have experienced since 2011’. Since October 2024, workers have initiated numerous strike days in the hope of leveraging improved terms from Livv Housing.
The prolonged nature of the dispute led to the intervention of both Knowsley Council leader, Cllr Graham Morgan and Knowsley MP, Anneliese Midgley. Ms Midgley even went as far as calling on Livv Housing to improve its offer and ‘engage meaningfully’ in negotiations.
In good news for both parties, the unions and Livv Housing have now reached an agreement and ended the long-running strike, with Unite claiming a victory for its members
A Unite statement confirmed strike action by maintenance workers has ended after the unions secured a pay deal for 2024/25. Workers voted to accept an immediate pay rise of 7.7% plus a £175 non-consolidated payment.
Under the deal, matched pension contributions will increase from 6% to 10% and a pension salary sacrifice scheme will be implemented to help members benefit from tax savings. Staff will also receive a further three days of annual leave a year.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Massive congratulations to our members at Livv Housing who stood strong for eight months to win this fantastic deal. As this result shows, Unite always gives maximum support to workers fighting for better jobs, pay, and conditions.”
As part of the agreement, there will be an immediate reduction in the working week from 40 hours to 39 hours. A working group from the employer and union side will be set up to look at a further reduction to 38 hours or lower within 12 months.
Unite regional officer John Sheppard said: “This deal is a real step forward and could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our reps and members. It is a prime example of why housing workers wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”
A spokesperson for Livv Housing said: “We are pleased that our colleagues have returned to work following the unions’ recommendation to accept our existing offer.
“We take pride in knowing that our pay and benefits package is one of the most favourable in the sector, reflecting our commitment to our colleagues. Our priority has always been to invest in our homes, support our colleagues, and serve our customers and communities.
“As we move forward, we remain dedicated to working together to continue delivering on that promise.”
Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan welcomed the news and said it should allow everyone to move forward positively with no more uncertainty. He said: “I am really pleased that Livv and the unions have reached an agreement that will bring an end to this period of industrial action.
“I addressed a full council meeting back in March, offering support from the council and urging all parties to get back around the negotiating table. I am really pleased that that has happened and a resolution found.
“As I said at the time, prolonged industrial action benefits no one. It’s not what anyone wants to see – especially the workforce and tenants – who have all been impacted.”