During a pivotal time for retail, Harrods workers have organized a strike due to unresolved pay issues.
- 95% of unionized employees at Harrods have chosen to take industrial action.
- Employees from multiple departments report persistent low wages and high workloads.
- Unresolved grievances include lack of engagement from management and denied bonuses.
- Harrods insists that the striking workers are a minority and has plans to maintain operations.
As the holiday season approaches, a significant number of Harrods employees are planning to strike, voicing dissatisfaction over salary and work conditions. The industrial action, supported by 95% of members from the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, is scheduled to commence on December 19th. Employees from retail, restaurant, kitchen, and cleaning sectors seek attention to their long-standing issues.
Central to the dispute are chronic problems like low pay, understaffing, and unmanageable workloads. Workers allege that attempts to engage with Harrods’ management have been unfruitful, prompting the decision to strike. In particular, discontent has been fueled by the absence of a Christmas bonus, juxtaposed against the backdrop of significant shareholder dividends and executive remunerations.
The UVW union’s demands include a guaranteed annual pay increase exceeding RPI inflation, along with an annual bonus. Employees also seek an end to the obligation for cleaners to work nine consecutive days and request monthly transparency on the service charges. Moreover, workers call for a daily meal allowance for restaurant and kitchen staff.
Alice Howick, a waiter and union member, expressed that Harrods, as a renowned luxury store, should exemplify superior treatment of its staff. She highlighted their struggle with earning a living wage amidst the company’s substantial profits. “Instead, we are earning the living wage and denied basic benefits such as a food allowance and Christmas bonus,” she noted.
Harrods has responded to the strike plans by highlighting that the number of employees opting for industrial action constitutes a small portion of the workforce. A spokesperson emphasized that contingency plans are set to ensure that operations remain unaffected during the strike. They also affirmed a willingness to continue discussions directly with employees to resolve the issues.
The upcoming industrial action by Harrods employees underscores significant ongoing labor disputes, highlighting the need for dialogue and resolution.
