Sainsbury’s workers in pay protest
14 July 2011 09:43
Workers from Sainsbury's stores across the UK have staged a protest outside the firm's annual general meeting in central London in a row over pay.
Unite said thousands of its members at the supermarket giant were being offered a below-inflation rise this year despite the "massive profits" the company makes.
Sainsbury's said no workers would have their pay cut, adding that details of this year's wage review will be announced next month.
Workers wore t-shirts with a message to Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King, which mirrored the supermarket's slogan - "Justin - Try Something New Today, Pay A Living Wage."
Some protesters wore Justin King masks to hide their identity, saying they feared intimidation from managers.
Jennie Formby, national officer of Unite, said: "The Sainsbury's workforce deserves a fair pay rise as their employer continues to profit from their hard work.
"The protest today reflects the anger that the employees feel about the prospect of yet another below-inflation pay deal, which in the current economic climate results in a pay cut for them.
"The possibility that some 12,000 workers could receive a pay cut is beyond comprehension.
"The workers protesting outside the annual general meeting are questioning why it is that, while the company continues to enjoy record sales and the chief executive receives a bumper bonus, the workforce are being told to accept a reduction in their living conditions, as their already low pay is further squeezed."
A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "No colleagues are having their pay cut. For a number of reasons a small proportion of colleagues are paid above the maximum level for their role and also above the market rate.
"We are therefore working to ensure that we pay all colleagues fairly and equally for performing the same or similar roles.
"We meet with representatives of our Colleague Councils and unions to discuss a variety of colleague-related issues, including pay and reward. However we do not negotiate pay or other terms and conditions with either trade union in our retail environment.
"We will announce the detail of this year's retail colleague pay review at the usual time in August."
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