Canal and River Trust workers keep England and Wales’ waterways running smoothly by removing waste, keeping towpaths clear and maintaining locks and moorings among other duties. The average salary is around £26,000.
In 2022, workers were offered a below-inflation increase of 5.5%, made up of a 4% interim award in June and an extra 1.5% in October. An overwhelming majority of UNISON members (83%) rejected it.
After negotiations at ACAS, UNISON representatives secured an offer of 8.2% and a £250 lump sum for each worker. 94% of members voted to accept.
UNISON national officer Andrew Dobbie said: “Members will now be seeing a good increase in their monthly salary. We’re pleased we could reach a settlement that members strongly backed.
“It’s important for employers in the environmental sector to invest in their workers in order to attract and retain people to do such vital work.”
UNISON rep Steve O’Sullivan added: “UNISON members were patient during lengthy negotiations and we’re proud to have secured a significant improvement on the original offer put forward.”
The article UNISON secures pay win for Canal and River Trust workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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