A LONG-running dispute within the Scottish Borders Housing Association could soon be resolved.

A meeting, brokered by ACAS, has been arranged between representatives of the trade union Unite and management of the region’s largest social landlord.

“If we cannot reach an agreement, then ballot papers will be sent out to all our members on July 21,” said Unite’s regional organiser Tony Trench, whose union represents most of the 90-strong maintenance division. Since last year, the union has been resisting demands from SBHA for a change in terms and conditions.

Specifically, the management wants its tradesmen and women to begin their working day “on site” at 8am.

Currently, the working day begins when the staff leave their homes at 8am. The union claims this will add about two-a-half unpaid hours to the working week and cannot be justified. Management believes such an arrangement is standard industry practice and will provide a better service to tenants, while securing jobs.

Last month a consultative ballot of union members revealed that 63 per cent were in favour of industrial action to preserve the status quo. And two subsequent meetings of workers – in Hawick and Galashiels – unanimously endorsed a call to hold an official ballot.