UNITE has notified HTS that its members plan to take industrial action on Tuesday 21 February, Thursday 23 February and Tuesday 28 February. 

HTS and Harlow Council have issued the following joint statement:

“We are disappointed by the industrial action that Unite are taking. HTS management have been and will continue to engage with Unite. 

“Most of the issues raised by Unite have been resolved. The one issue outstanding is Unite are asking for a lump sum payment for its members at HTS of £3,000. At the end of last year HTS staff received a flat rate increase of £1,925 which was the same for council staff as part of a nationally agreed pay offer. 

“National negotiations with trade unions on a new pay offer for April 2023 onwards will begin shortly.

“The HTS workforce do a fantastic job and provide a range of important environmental and housing maintenance services for the town. We appreciate that the cost of living is impacting everyone, but a further pay increase this financial year beyond what has already been agreed nationally is not financially sustainable at this time.

“The industrial action will only involve HTS workers who are Unite members. Plans are in place to continue running essential services and disruption to residents will be kept to a minimum.

“HTS have started to and will continue to communicate with residents whose appointments will be affected.”

Updates on HTS service provision affected by the strikes will be published and communicated to residents.