Unite the Union, Ireland Region

Tenants groups in Belfast and Craigavon challenge NIHE on impact of unresolved strike

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Unite the union NI

Workers enter their fifteen week of strike action for improved pay as LRA-mediated talks are due to commence this week

Striking housing workers at NIHE have linked up with tenants associations and residents groups across the three housing regions impacted by the ongoing industrial dispute which is now entering its fifteenth week.

The pay dispute is in relation to the 2021-2022 year and housing workers are seeking two pay grade increases and a cost of living payment. At present workers have had a 1.75 percent increase for that year imposed after it was recommended by the National Joint Council.

Unite Regional Officer Michael Keenan confirmed that his union’s members had secured strong support from tenants groups who were bearing the brunt of the unresolved strike.

“Representatives from the Falls Residents Association confirm that they are dealing with tenants unable to move into properties allocated to them some months ago and report growing numbers of void properties lying idle with no date for renovation and allocation. They are telling me that tenants are unable to heat their homes because essential repairs remain undone.

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New vehicle BIK rules: Government accused of greenwashing tax grab

Posted on November 17, 2022 by unitetheunion

Unite calls for changes due in January 2023 to be scrapped

Trade union Unite has slammed new Benefit in Kind (BIK) rules due to take effect on 1 January 2023 which could result in employees who use company cars for work paying hundreds of Euro extra in tax, and has called on the Government to immediately reverse the changes.

The calculation basis will change to a combination of mileage and CO2 emissions. At the same time, the 0% BIK on electric vehicles with an Original Market Value of less than €50,000 is to be phased out over four years, and the €50,000 OMV threshold which currently sees 30% BIK on cars above the threshold is to be progressively reduced up to 2026 – increasing the tax liability of individuals affected accordingly, while dis-incentivising employers from purchasing electric vehicles.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Jean O’Dowd said:

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Posted in Press Releases, Republic of Ireland news | Tagged Jean O'Dowd, Rob Kelly, taxation, Unite ROI | Leave a comment

NI Housing Executive bosses must show respect to workers and tenants and clear their diaries to engage in negotiations to end housing worker strike

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Unite the union NI

Responding to the media appearance of NIHE Chief Executive Grainia Long on regional radio this morning where she failed to touch upon the profound crisis facing social housing tenants, Unite the union has challenged NIHE management on their inaction.

Press reports confirm that in excess of 3,600 tenants have been left needing repairs and improvements to clear drains, improve draughty windows or upgrade heating. In addition to this Unite the union has been informed that 270 disabled tenants haven’t got the essential adaptions they need and almost 300 desperately needed social housing units lie empty as the change of occupancy work has not been done.

The crisis arises from the sudden withdrawal of eleven private sector operators from outsourced maintenance contracts at a time when direct labour organisation workers are into their thirteenth week of strike action for a cost of living increase.

Unite Regional Officer Michael Keenan commented:

“For our part, Unite has sought to negotiate a resolution to the pay dispute through inviting the NIHE management to Labour Relations Agency mediated negotiations.

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Posted in Campaign for Decent Pay, Northern Ireland news, Press Releases, Public Services | Tagged Grainia Long, Michael Keenan, NIHE, pay increase, strike | Leave a comment

Domestic violence leave: Government proposals fail workers, victims

Posted on November 8, 2022 by unitetheunion

Unite urges provision of 10 days’ paid domestic violence leave

November 8th: Unite, which represents women workers throughout the economy, today (Tuesday) expressed disappointment at the Government’s decision to provide for just five days of paid domestic violence leave. The Government’s proposals are contained in amendments to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022, which is being considered by the Select Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth today.

Commenting, Unite Regional Women’s and Equalities Officer Taryn Trainor said:

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Posted in Press Releases, Republic of Ireland news | Tagged domestic violence, equality, Taryn Trainor., Unite ROI | Leave a comment

Housing Executive board inaction in face of withdrawal of private contractors and ongoing housing workers strike is exacerbating social housing crisis

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Unite the union NI

4,000 tenants left without needed housing improvements and almost 400 houses left empty as a result

Unite the union welcomes the offer by newly appointed chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Nicole Lappin to engage directly with the trade union. Ms Lappin spoke to striking workers in Craigavon today. Workers are on the thirteenth week of strike action seeking to win a cost of living pay increase.

There is a backlog of almost 4,000 repairs and improvements needed by social housing tenants after eleven private-sector maintenance contractors withdrew from outsourced contracts while contracts delivered in-house by the Housing Executive’s Direct Labour Organisation have been highly impacted by the current strike action. Almost 400 disabled tenants are awaiting needed adaptions and approximately 400 further housing units are unoccupied as the needed ‘change of occupancy’ work has not been conducted.

Unite General Secretary pledged national union support in the battle:

“Our members are determined to secure a cost-of-living increase and will stand out all winter to win if need be. NIHE must provide a cost of living pay increase and end the suffering of both workers and tenants.”

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