Harrods employees are poised to strike during the Christmas period, driven by ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions.
- A significant majority of Harrods workers, represented by the United Voices of the World union, have voted for industrial action.
- Concerns include low wages, staff shortages, and heavy workloads, with management reportedly resistant to discussions.
- Denial of Christmas bonuses and substantial management salaries have further fuelled discontent among staff.
- Harrods assures readiness with contingency plans to handle the strike and claims the striking workers form a small fraction of their workforce.
Harrods, a renowned luxury department store, is facing potential disruptions over the festive period as a large number of its employees have voted to embark on strike action. This decision follows a vote by members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, with a notable 95% of participants expressing support for industrial action set to commence on 19 December.
Central to the employees’ grievances are the longstanding issues of inadequate pay, insufficient staffing, and excessive workloads. Workers allege that the management has consistently declined to engage with UVW representatives to address these critical concerns, prompting the move towards a strike. In addition, the absence of a Christmas bonus this year has exacerbated dissatisfaction, especially against the backdrop of Harrods’ ownership receiving £180 million in dividends in the preceding year. Furthermore, the managing director’s significant salary of £2.1 million stands in stark contrast to the stagnant wages of the workforce.
UVW members have set forth several demands, including an annual bonus, pay increments that surpass RPI inflation, and increased staffing across various departments. There is also a push to cease the practice of compelling part-time cleaners to work nine consecutive days and for enhanced transparency regarding the service charge, with detailed monthly reports. For restaurant and kitchen workers, the union is advocating for the introduction of a daily meal allowance.
Alice Howick, a Harrods waiter and union member, voiced the expectations from a prominent institution like Harrods, stating, “As one of the world’s leading luxury department stores, Harrods should be setting the standard for retail and hospitality workers.” She emphasized the disparity between the company’s profitability and the basic benefits that employees anticipate. The sentiment is echoed by numerous workers who feel that earning merely the living wage is incongruous with the prestigious nature of their workplace.
In response, a spokesperson from Harrods has indicated that the 176 employees who voted to strike represent roughly 10% of the staff in the impacted divisions. The spokesperson asserted that Harrods has made preparations to ensure that service operations remain unaffected throughout the Christmas season. The company maintains its commitment to working directly with employees to resolve issues and continues to cultivate a constructive relationship with recognised unions to discuss pay and benefits.
The impending strike highlights the ongoing tension between Harrods’ management and its workforce, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue.
