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Argos distribution centre employees set to decide strike action
STRIKE ballot forms are due to be sent to workers at Bridgwater's Argos distribution centre on Monday following a dispute over pay.
Union Unite is sending forms to its members among the 200 workers at the Huntworth Business Park site, and four other distribution centres nationwide, following its rejection of Argos' offer of a 4% pay increase.
Distribution centre employees are also deciding whether to take industrial action over the company's intended implementation of monthly pay, instead of the current weekly pay cycle, and the erosion of a sick pay scheme.
Jennie Formby, Unite national secretary, said: "The company made record profits last year and they thank our members by cutting their sickness benefits, throwing their finances into disarray and offering a below par pay increase.
"Argos are exceeding expectations but they expect our members to accept less. They have worked with management to drive down costs, significantly in distribution, which has meant an increase in workload.
"Our members are already struggling to manage with soaring food prices, housing and energy costs.
"We have not taken this decision lightly but we have no other choice."
An Argos spokesman said: "We are disappointed that Unite is proposing industrial action as we believe there is a good offer on the table.
"The offer of 4% is very competitive in the current market environment.
"We would like to reassure our customers that if in the event we are unable to reach agreement and industrial action goes ahead, we will do everything we can to minimise the effect on our customers' shopping experience, either in our stores or online."
If workers vote in favour of industrial action, the strike would take place in June.
1:11pm Saturday 17th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: merlin121, Puriton on 5:23pm Sat 17 May 08
Taotally suprised that "Strike" Is actually spelled correctly....As is the whole article well done Mercury... for a change!!!!!
Taotally suprised that "Strike" Is actually spelled correctly....As is the whole article well done Mercury... for a change!!!!!
Posted by: merlin121, Argos on 5:33pm Sat 17 May 08
"We would like to reassure our customers that if in the event we are unable to reach agreement and industrial action goes ahead, we will do everything we can to minimise the effect on our customers' shopping experience, either in our stores or online."
out of stock dear we do have a delivery Wednesday it may be in then though I couldnt guarantee it, take a day off and take a chance, or drive to Exeter!!!!! Or stay here and be Ignored...Have a seat...mmm what seats...Argos = Dictionary states journey ...not kidding, accept the more money going back to Poland the better
"We would like to reassure our customers that if in the event we are unable to reach agreement and industrial action goes ahead, we will do everything we can to minimise the effect on our customers' shopping experience, either in our stores or online."
out of stock dear we do have a delivery Wednesday it may be in then though I couldnt guarantee it, take a day off and take a chance, or drive to Exeter!!!!! Or stay here and be Ignored...Have a seat...mmm what seats...Argos = Dictionary states journey ...not kidding, accept the more money going back to Poland the better
Posted by: Factor, Bridgwater on 5:18pm Sun 18 May 08
The proposed strike action is because of the added proposals made by the management. Members would have whole heartedly agreed to the 4% pay award without the extra conditions attached. The change to monthly pay is not a serious dispute and would have been agreed to with some form of light compensation for the changeover. It was other added conditions that members felt were totally unacceptable. The management have tried bully tactics to often and this time it looks like it will backfire on them.
The proposed strike action is because of the added proposals made by the management. Members would have whole heartedly agreed to the 4% pay award without the extra conditions attached. The change to monthly pay is not a serious dispute and would have been agreed to with some form of light compensation for the changeover. It was other added conditions that members felt were totally unacceptable. The management have tried bully tactics to often and this time it looks like it will backfire on them.
Posted by: crouchinghippo, bridgwater on 7:56pm Mon 19 May 08
Bet the " migrant workers " are first over the picket line and filling your full time jobs. Be Careful Argos don't give a sh@t what they do they'll just up sticks and take it to Poland like everybody else is.
Bet the " migrant workers " are first over the picket line and filling your full time jobs. Be Careful Argos don't give a sh@t what they do they'll just up sticks and take it to Poland like everybody else is.
Posted by: robert jones, gorton on 7:53pm Sat 31 May 08
does anyone know when the monthly pay change is taking place? I've asked even friends who work there and no one seems to know!!
does anyone know when the monthly pay change is taking place? I've asked even friends who work there and no one seems to know!!
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