Solihull Farmfoods workers go on strike over pay dispute in two-day walkout
Workers at a major supermarket chain have gone on strike over pay, conditions and rights. Around 100 Farmfoods workers at a distribution centre in Solihull were expected to join the two-day walkout, which started this morning, Tuesday September 24.
The site is one of four distribution centres belonging to Farmfoods, which has hundreds of shops across the UK. Pictures from the picket line on Tuesday morning showed a collective of workers from the popular high street brand stationed outside the distribution centre on Highlands Road.
The GMB union claimed workers were being asked to meet "gruelling targets". Members voted on September 19 in favour of the strike. Farmfoods declined to comment when approached by BirminghamLive.
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Workers at fast growing food retailer will take strike action on Monday.
The GMB also alleged company managers had turned down requests for union recognition and fair pay. It claimed workers were told there "was not money" for pay rises.
The budget grocery chain has more than 300 shops and specialises in frozen food. The supermarket was founded in Scotland and has a number of stores in the West Midlands, including in Acocks Green, Bickenhill, Berkswell and Aldridge.
Tom Warnett, GMB organiser, said: “These workers have stood loyally with Farmfoods as it’s grown to a company with over £1billion in sales, but now they’re being told there isn’t the money for proper pay rises. They’re being asked to meet gruelling targets but management refuses to listen when they call for better pay, union recognition and a safer working environment.
“As Farmfoods bosses attempt to kick the can down the road, with piecemeal improvements, our members have taken decisive action. These workers deserve so much better, and it’s time for the company to get around the table before it’s too late."
BiringhamLive contacted Farmfoods for a statement on Tuesday morning. The chain declined to comment.
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