London-based staff at a domestic abuse charity have called off planned industrial action after plans to cut jobs were put on hold.
Earlier this month, workers employed by Solace Women’s Aid in Tower Hamlets announced that they would walk out “indefinitely” from 14 February onwards after the charity proposed to cut its local team by a third.
However, the strikes were called off following discussions between the charity’s leaders, its affected employees and United Voices of the World (UVW) union.
In a statement, the charity said: “During this pause, Solace will continue discussions with all parties to help us resolve the dispute.
“We continue to focus on solutions as this is in the best interests of our survivors and staff.
“Solace remains committed to supporting survivors in Tower Hamlets and across London, and we urge survivors to continue to reach out.”
Solidarity from other charity employees
Meanwhile, employees of LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop have expressed solidarity with Solace staff members.
Galop workers that are members of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), said in a social media post: “We’re deeply inspired by your organisation and your historic decision to strike, the first in the gender-based violence and anti-abuse sector to do so.
“It’s incredible that through your action, you’ve pushed management to come to the bargaining table and pause the redundancy process.
“Whilst strike action is paused for now, we know that the struggle for jobs and improved conditions is ongoing.”
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