Around 50 housing association workers are set to strike for the first time in a pay dispute.

London Sanctuary Housing workers based in Hackney will stage the walkout on one day next week, and on two days in March, the union Unite said.

Union bosses have warned that the pay dispute will “continue to escalate” unless the housing association engages with workers’ demands.

According to Unite, Sanctuary Housing does not currently recognise the workers’ union and has not engaged in pay negotiations.

The workers, who carry out repair jobs across the capital, are angry that their pay was only increase by 4% last year, claiming that inflation stood at more than 11% at the time.

Their union claims that Sanctuary Housing revenues stood at £943 million in the same period, and that its CEO, Craig Moule, earns £380,000 a year.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Sanctuary Housing is behaving appallingly.

“It imposed a significant pay cut on its workers during the worst cost of living crisis in a generation despite its extremely healthy financial position.

“It is also refusing to recognise the collective bargaining rights of its unionised workers.

“This is completely unacceptable, and our Sanctuary members have their union’s unwavering and total support.”

The strike, expected to take place on February 29, as well as March 1 and 4, will impact scheduled and emergency repairs to Sanctuary Housing’s stock across the capital.

Sanctuary Housing did not respond to a request for comment.