Primark workers uproared by pay freeze

Unionised employees working for value fashion retailer Primark in Northern Ireland have voted for industrial action for a second time over a proposed pay freeze. In January representatives of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

(Usdaw) conducted a ballot which saw 93 per cent of those Primark employees polled vote for a strike, but then decided to repeat the ballot due to fears that an administration oversight may have allowed the original decision to be legally challenged.

Primark has announced that it will be imposing a pay freeze on its staff in Northern Ireland for a second year running, which Usdaw claims is unfair due to the growth in sales at the business and the significant rise in the cost of living.

Nicola Scarborough, Usdaw Area Organiser, said: “The overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action reflects the anger our members feel at the way Primark is treating its loyal and long-serving workforce and it underlines their determination to achieve a fair pay deal. “We hope the company will now recognise this and return to the negotiating table with a meaningful pay offer.”

“With prices continuing to soar and government cuts to tax credits and other benefits really about to bite, our members simply can’t afford to accept what is effectively a pay cut for the second year running.”

Scarborough added: “There is no question of Primark being unable to afford a decent pay rise. Sales at the company continue to increase by double digits and in the past two years Primark has made profits of £644 million.

“It’s time for Primark to recognise the exceptional contribution its staff are making to this success.”