Press Release

The Harrods strike

Monday, August 18 2008

Harrods, one of the world's most famous stores, faces the prospect of summer strike action as Unite, Britain's biggest union begins balloting workers for industrial action today.

A vote in favour of strike action could lead to serious disruption during the busy tourist season. 235 essential workers will begin voting today including the engineers responsible for maintaining lifts, escalators and air conditioning. The drivers, warehouse operatives, engineers and maintenance workers are furious that they have been excluded from extra leave entitlement given to shop floor staff.

The staff are also angry that they have been offered a below inflation pay offer of 3.5% at a time when food and energy costs are on the rise.

Unite regional officer Debbie McSweeney said: "The world's most famous store faces a very expensive strike. Our members keep Harrods running, they ensure the lights stay on, the building operates safely and shoppers can get about the store. It is difficult to imagine how the shop could function properly without them."

Unite regional officer, Richard Munn says, "It is very worrying that those workers who were not given two extra days holidays are in a recognised union, while the shop floor workers who got the extra leave do not have a recognised union.

"We believe Harrods has many noted customers that will be surprised to learn that the shop treats its workers in this way."