More than 120 of Greenwich Council’s housing repair workers will strike for two days later this month after a dispute over a new pay structure, the union representing them has announced.

A press release from worker’s union Unite this week said 120 workers would strike for a total of 48 hours over March 23 and 24, after accusing the authority of “backsliding” on new pay arrangements.

According to the union, a deal struck with council last autumn promised instances when Unite members’ pay can drop will be minimised.

There was also ‘pay protection’ and, most importantly, no imposition of any changes unilaterally.

The council has said it has proposed changes to the performance bonuses so more repairs could be carried out, while reducing the amount of time residents have to wait for appointments.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said of the negotiations: “Unite negotiated a settlement in good faith last October, but the management have been foot dragging and backsliding ever since.

“We thought we had a deal, but apparently that has turned out to be a mirage.

“As a result, we are calling two 24-hour strikes later this month which will severely disrupt repairs and renovations to the council’s properties.

“However, there is still time for the council to implement the agreement that it freely entered into before the first strike day.”

In response, Cllr Chris Kirby, Greenwich Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We have been consulting with our repairs trade staff and negotiating with unions on proposed changes to the performance bonus scheme for six months. We need to be able to carry out more repairs and reduce the amount of time residents have to wait for appointments. The changes we’ve been negotiating are designed to ensure the future of our repairs team as a council-run, in-house service.”

“During the consultation and negotiations we have agreed to a number of changes to the terms suggested by Unite and are disappointed that they are proposing a strike. We will continue negotiations over the next few days and hope that we can reach an agreement that rewards staff for doing their jobs well and provides a better services for our tenants and leaseholders.”

Last October, Unite called off industrial action after a deal was hammered out with for carpenters, electricians and plumbers based out of the council’s Birchmere depot.