Community Desk, 14 August:

Tower Hamlets UNISON has stepped up its campaign against uncertainty over pension benefits and job security for workers at East End Homes (EEH). The union has called on residents to stand alongside workers opposing the alleged ‘fire and rehire’ policy.

Many workers who have provided housing services to the local community for years are now approaching the final stage of their working lives. Their future could be put at risk by proposed changes to employment arrangements or by being dismissed and rehired under new terms.

The pressure of ‘fire and rehire’ could affect not only workers’ pensions and job security but also staff morale and the quality of local housing services.

‘We do not want to work in fear of losing our jobs’

The workers do not want to go on strike. They want to continue providing services to local residents. But dissatisfaction over the way workers are being treated has grown to such an extent that they see industrial action as the only remaining option to secure their demands.

Concerns have also been raised over the satisfaction of residents. Surveys have indicated a decline in resident satisfaction, while many residents have said that their complaints and concerns are not being properly heard.

The problems faced by workers and residents are closely connected. Ensuring good housing services requires those delivering the services to have a secure and respectful working environment.

Call for support on picket lines

Workers and supporters have been urged to join picket lines from 8:30 am to 10 am on strike days outside the EEH head office and other EEH office locations.

Local residents have also been encouraged to stand with the workers, share information about the industrial action on social media and demand that the EEH management abandon any ‘fire and rehire’ plans.

The issue has also been raised with the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, with calls for action to ensure that workers involved in local housing services are treated with greater respect and that their job security is protected.

Is a pension only a worker’s concern?

The dispute involving Tower Hamlets UNISON has raised an important question: Is the retirement security of workers who have spent years providing housing services simply a personal matter, or is it also connected to the future of services for the wider community?

UNISON’s position is clear—there should be no compromise over pensions and job security. Workers are demanding that, after years of serving local residents, they should not be pushed into uncertainty at the final stage of their working lives.

Daily Voice of People believes that resolving the dispute through dialogue as quickly as possible is in the best interests of residents. When housing services face disruption, it is ultimately the residents who are most likely to suffer.