This item was originally published on this site
Housing managers at five of Peabody’s London sites are being balloted for strike action over employment conditions.
The Unite union has confirmed the ballot opens on Wednesday (Nov 6) and closes on Wednesday November 27.
Unite says the ballot is because of a “major erosion” in the working conditions of neighbourhood managers at five Peabody sites in London with issues including new contracts requiring evening and weekend work anywhere in the UK; carrying out training outside working hours without additional pay or time off in lieu; and allocating cases of serious anti-social behaviour cases without adequate training and risk assessments.
A Peabody spokesperson confirmed that discussions are ongoing.
“What the management has now imposed on our members is a major erosion in their employment conditions, without serious consultation with Unite – we regard the management’s stance as high handed and this has now resulted in a strike ballot by Unite’s 26 managers,” said Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed.
“The bosses wanted the number of neighbourhood managers to be cut from 80 to 65 – but 35 have already left the department because of the restructuring process which is central to the issues we are balloting on – once again, we urge the management to come to the table for constructive talks.”
It is the second time in a year Unite has balloted Peabody staff.
Last December, Unite claimed a significant victory when 26 customer service staff working for the trust in central London gained improved terms in transferring to Pitsea, Essex – after the first vote to strike in the organisation’s 150 year old history.
