Charity workers end first ever strike after accepting pay offer

More than 60 Hull and East Riding Citizens Advice workers have ended their strike action over pay after accepting an improved offer from the charity.

The industrial action had been the first time the charity’s staff had taken part in strike action in their history.

Unite, the union involved in negotiations during the dispute, says the deal means the workers will receive an immediate payment of £2,925.

This offer includes a £1,500 payment across all grades for 2022/23, as well as a £425 payment, according to the union Unite. For this financial year the workers will receive a £1,000 payment.

The strike had begun in July.

“Well done to our Hull and East Riding Citizens Advice members, who took strike action for the first time in the organisation’s history and won,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

The union’s regional officer Mike Wilkinson added: “This result could not have been achieved without the hard work and determination of our reps and members at Hull and East Riding Citizens Advice.

A spokesperson for Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding said: “We are delighted that we have been able to reach an outcome everyone is happy with.

"We would like to offer our thanks and gratitude to ACAS for their assistance in bringing
about a resolution to this dispute. We would also like to thank Unite the Union for their part in bringing this dispute to a resolution.

"We are incredibly proud of the work our staff and volunteers do every day. We thank
them for their dedication during this difficult period and for their service.

"We are also thankful to our funders and stakeholders for their help, patience and
support during this period."

The spokesperson added that the charity wants "to focus on supporting our communities with the challenges they are facing today, the cost of living and housing crisis".

"Winter is coming and the number of people asking for help is at the highest level we have ever recorded. We have an unprecedented increase in demand for our services, we will continue to be there for the community."