HOUSING association staff are set to walk out on strike over a pay dispute.

Unison union members at Torus – formed three years ago as a merger of Golden Gates Housing Trust and St Helens-based Helena Partnerships – have voted to take strike action following ‘years of falling living standards’ for staff.

Employees in roles including administrators, customer service advisors, housing officers and maintenance staff could walk out later this month with unions demanding a ‘decent’ pay rise.

Dan Smith, north west regional organiser for Unison, said: “The ballot result shows that staff are serious about getting a decent pay rise – Torus bosses need to stop ignoring staff.

“They need to make an offer that ends the attack on workers’ living standards.

“Torus is doing well financially and could easily afford to pay staff a decent increase.

“They have found six per cent for their highest paid board member.

“Torus needs to act now to ever the possibility of strike action.”

Talks between unions and Torus bosses were due to take place yesterday, Wednesday

A spokesman for the housing group said: “Torus is in discussions with its trade union representatives about the pay review recently awarded to staff.

“This dialogue is ongoing.

“Torus is committed to achieving a positive resolution which avoids industrial action and the associated service disruption for customers.”