Unite warns of strike action over Argos pay packets
02 July 2008 10:01
Unite, the UK's biggest union, has warned Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group that the company may face strike action if it does not pay their employees "a living wage".
The union plans to take its protest to Home Retail Group's AGM in order to "highlight the vast gulf between the 10% dividend expected to be awarded to shareholders, the rewards packages handed out to executives and the paltry 4% pay offer to the workforce".
Unite says that its members are angry that the company have offered a "below inflation pay deal with strings at a time when the Home Retail Group's profits are up 16% on last year's profits of £423 million".
Average pay for employees at Argos is between £17,000 and £22,000 according to the union.
Unite national officer Jennie Formby commented: "Argos distribution has managed to save half a million pounds this year thanks to our members who have worked hard to keep costs down.
"But with the average distribution worker earning just £17,000 a year doing back-breaking, essential work for this company, a below inflation wage offer while the shareholders and board pocket handsome rewards is a slap in the face."
Retail news is updated every weekday and is provided courtesy of: 
