Strike action by Electricians in Sandwell has been called off after Sandwell Council awarded them a better pay grade. UNISON members had been taking action short of strike action since 6 January, after voting 100% on a 94% turnout for both action short of strike action and strike action. The action short of strike action meant some tenants had their repairs delayed. UNISON members were to be joined by Unite and GMB in a week long strike from 2 March. Preparations for picket lines were well advanced but at the 11th hour Senior Management confirmed that Electricians will be placed on a higher grade, backdated to April 2018 – when the original pay re-grade was submitted.
Tony Barnsley, Sandwell General UNISON Branch Secretary stated, “Our members were solid and determined to win the better grade that will see their pay eventually rise by £5,000 – 17.5%. We congratulate our members in their solid show of unity and strength.”