More than 250 workers at the City of London Corporation have accepted an improved pay deal, ending a long-running threat of industrial action.
The workers at the local authority for London’s Square Mile financial centre are members of trade union Unite and employed in roles including security, police staff, grounds maintenance and administrative functions.
They voted in favour of the pay deal, which will see most workers’ wages increase by more than 20% and some rising by 30%. The pay deal consolidated a previously one-off cost-of-living payment of £1,000 for 2022 into wages, as well as a consolidated £3,000 rise for 2023.
The workers took part in industrial action in May as their employer offered a lump sum pay increase for 2022/23 that was worth an average of 5%, which they claimed was less than the current real rate of inflation. They also claimed to have not had a pay rise during 2021/22.
Following strike action earlier this year, staff stated that more industrial action would be scheduled if the dispute was not resolved. However, subsequent strikes were postponed to allow for negotiations.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is a huge win for our City of London Corporation members, who achieved it by standing firm in their union. This result will inspire our members at other local authorities across the UK who are currently taking strike action over pay.”
Nick West, regional officer at Unite, added: “Well done to City of London Corporation workers for this pay win. The decision to strike is not an easy one, but their commitment to achieving a fair pay rise resulted in the employer putting forward a much improved deal.”
City of London Corporation has been contacted for comment.