Wigan drug and alcohol support workers suspend strike to protect service users during coronavirus crisis

The staff, who are members of UNISON, are involved in a long-running dispute with their employer We Are With You (formerly Addaction) over the non-payment of a promised pay rise.

Staff recently voted 100% to take further strike action, but they have decided now to delay plans for more strike days in the best interests of local people who use the service during this difficult time.

Paul Almond, a support worker and UNISON rep said: “We are all still determined to see this through and get the pay rise that was promised to us. But our campaign can wait until we get through the current Coronavirus situation.

“We are very committed to this service. Many of us have been working in it for a long time and we know we are key workers, that is our belief and that of our employers.

"We understand the need to protect the vulnerable service users now more than ever and that has been the rationale behind our decision to suspend further action."