Harrods employees, represented by UVW, plan strikes on key December dates due to a pay dispute.
- Workers seek improved pay and conditions, stating lack of engagement from management as a reason for striking.
- The potential strike days are 21, 22, and 26 December, impacting crucial shopping periods.
- Grievances include absence of bonuses, excessive workloads, and low pay amid high executive payouts.
- Harrods management acknowledges staff contributions but prefers direct dealing with employees over union engagement.
Harrods staff are planning industrial action during vital pre-Christmas and Boxing Day periods due to unresolved pay disagreements. These employees, supported by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, have felt compelled to take this step after the management refused to acknowledge or negotiate with their union, leaving them no alternative.
The strike is scheduled for upcoming peak shopping days: from 8 p.m. on 20 December to 9:30 p.m. on 22 December, and from midnight to 9:30 p.m. on 26 December. This decision follows an overwhelming vote where 95% of UVW members at Harrods’ Knightsbridge location supported the industrial action, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with current conditions.
Central to the dispute is the employees’ demand for better remuneration and the reinstatement of Christmas bonuses, claims UVW. Workers report their pay and work conditions have worsened, contrasting sharply with the substantial financial rewards enjoyed by Harrods’ owners and top executives. For instance, Harrods recently allocated £180 million in dividends to its owners, while its managing director receives a £2.1 million salary annually.
Employees have expressed these grievances arise from persistent pay deficiencies, understaffing, and excessive workloads. Additionally, there is dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition for employees’ unions and the denial of bonuses, especially given the company’s significant financial distributions to its executives.
From Harrods’ perspective, as communicated through a spokesperson to The Guardian, the company recognises its staff’s significant contributions, particularly during busy trading periods like Christmas. They emphasise their commitment to directly addressing employee concerns and maintaining a constructive relationship with recognised unions concerning pay and benefits.
The planned strikes underscore the tension between Harrods’ management and staff over pay and working conditions during peak trading times.
