Staff employed by Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over changes to on-call payments.
The workers, who include engineers, gas fitters and plasterers, are responsible for the maintenance of affordable homes managed by the social housing provider.
They’re unhappy with changes to how on-call work is being managed, leaving some staff out of pocket and others forced to work unsociable hours.
Until now, workers have been able to volunteer for on-call shifts and were paid when on standby. But LHP has now made on-call work compulsory for all employees.
This means workers who put themselves forward previously will get fewer shifts and earn less. And others who had opted not to add extra duties will be forced to do so.
LHP is also changing how it defines unsociable hours, which will see some staff lose allowances worth up to £8,000 a year, the union adds. The ballot opened on Tuesday (28 April) and will close on Wednesday 20 May.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Megan Ollerhead said: “These workers carry out vital work, ensuring affordable housing across Lincolnshire is well maintained and safe to live in.
“These changes will leave some staff out of pocket and force others to work unsociable hours. They’re unnecessary and will do nothing for morale.
“It’s encouraging the new chief executive says he wants to talk, and there is still time to find a way through this and avoid any disruption. But LHP needs to act now and work with its staff.”
