Around 160 workers at Scottish Borders Housing Association have accepted a 5.5% pay rise and improvements to their working conditions as of this week.
The employees are based at the association and charity’s Selkirk headquarters and are members of trade union Unite. They work in trades roles, including joiners, painters, plumbers, plasterers, electricians and roofers, as well as office-based roles.
The workers will see a 5.5% basic pay boost, along with a rise of 8% for stand-by payments. They will also benefit from an increase to their annual leave, as an additional day of holiday has been secured for St Andrew’s Day, which is celebrated on 30 November.
The pay deal, which is backdated from April, was accepted by 97% of the members.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite has delivered a decent wage win for our Scottish Borders Housing Association membership. This win shows that if you want better jobs, pay and conditions, then join Unite.”
Pat Egan, industrial officer at Unite, added: “The pay deal delivers a significant income boost for Scottish Borders Housing Association workers including those providing essential repair and maintenance services. It’s a deal which we are pleased to have got over the line and it was emphatically backed by our membership.”
Scottish Borders Housing Association was contacted for comment prior to publication.
