BRON Afon saw some of its workers strike today in protest at annual salaries being slashed by more than £3,000.

UNISON has criticised the decision by Bron Afon to slash wages for the majority of staff in its supported living team from £23,572 to £20,416.

The trade union has claimed that the housing association cut salaries and increased working hours after winning a £540,000 contract.

Workers from the supported living team, provide assistance to vulnerable people over the age of 50 in their own homes.

They also provide practical support to those with mental health issues and addictions.

Rosie Lewis, of UNISON, said she was "outraged" with the pay cut.

She said: "What has happened is draconian in nature and that's why people are striking.

"The workers are working exceptionally hard and Bron Afon decides to cut their pay by over £3,000.

"This is totally unacceptable, especially when its just won a big contract."

Ms Lewis added that another three twenty-four hour stoppages had been planned.

A Bron Afon worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's outrageous that Bron Avon has won this contract for £540,000 and yet we get a pay cut.

"How can this be fair?

"I'm working 8am to 8pm and my pay has been cut by over £3,000."

Another Bron Afon worker added: "I've worked here for years and I can't believe they've treated me like this.

"I love my job but how can I take on more responsibilities under this contract and have my pay cut?"

Cath Pullin, Bron Afon’s head of inclusion and support, said the organisation was "disappointed" at the strike action.

“The supported living team is a service funded through supporting people," said Ms Pullin. "The previous contract ended on March 31 and we worked closely with all the staff in the team to put together a tender for the new service last year which we were delighted to win.

“That work started last August and it was explained to the team then that to put together a competitive tender it was likely that staff costs would have to be reduced.

“If we hadn’t won the contract the staff on fixed-term contracts would have been out of work at the end of March. But we were pleased to be successful and advertised the new jobs in February. Staff have kept generous benefits including access to the pension scheme."

She added: “The staff applied for the new jobs after being involved in the contract bidding process, shaping the team structure and seeing the salary and other benefits on offer.

“So we are surprised that after being offered jobs on these terms they have now decided to take strike action."