WORKERS at anti-poverty charity Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) will strike later this month against plans to give directors a 25 per cent pay rise while staff received just 3 per cent.

The London-based charity, founded by Reverend Paul Nicolson in the 1990s to oppose the poll tax, now offers advice and campaigns against poverty caused by inadequate incomes and high living costs. 

But staff say the leadership’s decision to boost pay at the top while offering minimal rises elsewhere is at odds with the charity’s mission.

Strike action is set to run continuously from May 27 to June 6.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said there was “bitter irony” in the situation, adding: “The fact there is such a difference in pay increases is outrageous and Unite will fight until this gap is made smaller. 

“Our members at Z2K have our full support during this dispute.”

Unite regional officer Will Searby said the union accepts the strike will impact people relying on Z2K’s services, but that management created the situation. 

“We urge them to come back to the table with an improved pay offer and a commitment to fairness,” he said.