Pay strikes by around 100 Sandwell council building workers have been suspended after Unite, the UK’s leading union, secured a pay deal.
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, Kerrie Carmichael, and chief executive, Shokat Lal, an offer was put forward to pay the workers a market supplement of £2,703.
The workers subsequently voted in favour of the offer.
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.