Pilkington carers secure pay increase after Unite strikes

As reported by the Star, nine Pilkington carers who are represented by the Unite Union walked out on strike on Monday, August 12, and Tuesday, August 13.

The Ruskin Lodge carers were in dispute over the pay and conditions offered by their employer.

Staff were being expected to administer controlled drugs to residents without a pay lift, despite the increase in responsibility.

Pilkington Family Trust, a registered charity founded to support Pilkington employees in retirement, was instead offering a 4 percent pay increase plus a £500 non-consolidated payment when they completed the drug training.

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Staff provide care for former Pilkington employees at Ruskin Lodge (Image: Google Maps)

In addition to this week's staff walkout, four more days of strikes were planned on August 12, 13, 19, and 20 if the parties could not come to an agreement.

These strikes have now been called off as Pilkington Family Trust has come to an agreement with Unite and the carers.

The workers have secured a five per cent pay increase. In addition, they will no longer be expected to administer controlled drugs to residents. Management’s plan to expect the workers to administer drugs was a key part of the dispute.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well done to our members for fighting for better pay and conditions. By standing together in unity they have ensured better pay and won’t be required to administer drugs.

"This victory shows the power of Unite and we will continue to relentlessly improve the jobs, pay and conditions of our members.”

Unite regional officer Ian McCluskey added: “This is a significantly better deal than originally offered and shows that Unite is securing its members better conditions and better pay.

“Workers should be in no doubt the best way to secure better pay and conditions is to join Unite and get their work colleagues to join too.”