HOUSING association Thirteen says it is “disappointed” by planned industrial action by members of the union Unite.

Unite claims some workers could lose as much as £4,000 a year from a move to introduce new terms and conditions.

Following a ballot, 450 members who work for the firm have been asked to work to rule from Saturday (December 5) and refuse to do any overtime.

Unite said the move could delay repairs and maintenance to homes managed by Thirteen.

It also pointed out that chief executive Alison Thain’s pay package increased from £158,000 to £176,000 last year.

Thirteen was formed from the merger of two North-East housing groups Fabrick and Vela. Its partner landlords Erimus Housing, Housing Hartlepool, Tees Valley Housing and Tristar Homes manage more than 32,000 homes across the region.

Staff have been offered a 2.5 per cent rise, but as a condition of acceptance their terms and conditions will be changed.

Unite says this will mean a reduction in callout payments, removal of an essential car allowance, a reduction in overtime rates and also the imposition of a pay freeze in 2016/17.

Unite regional officer Mike Routledge said: “While Thirteen maybe unlucky for some, it is not bad news for everyone as some executive directors were given double figure pay increases.

“What the industrial action will mean is that repairs for the company’s properties will be delayed in the run-up to Christmas.”

Heather Ashton, group director of resources, said it was offering a “competitive package” when many other housing providers were cutting enhancements for staff due to a reduction in Government funding.

She said: “We are extremely disappointed that the unions have chosen to react in this way, when we want to work in partnership with them for the benefit of our valued staff.”