Hundreds of workers at Harrods are preparing to vote on whether to go on strike during the upcoming Christmas season. The workers, who are represented by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, are demanding fair pay increases, better working conditions, and more transparency regarding service charges.
One of the workers, Lourenco Hernandes, a cleaner at Harrods, expressed concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the cleaning department. He mentioned that some part-time cleaners are being forced to work nine days in a row, leading to stress and illness among the staff. Hernandes also highlighted the shortage of cleaning staff, which has resulted in increased workloads for the remaining employees.
Another worker, Alice Howick, who works as a waiter at Harrods, emphasized the need to remove the cover charge in restaurants and provide more clarity on the distribution of service charges. Howick mentioned that there is a growing sense of frustration among the workers, who feel undervalued and overworked.
This is not the first time Harrods workers have considered strike action. Earlier this year, workers threatened to strike for a pay review, and migrant night cleaners were on the verge of striking over holiday policies that limited their ability to visit their families. Although the holiday policy was eventually revoked, workers are once again facing the prospect of industrial action.
Petros Elia, the general secretary of UVW, expressed disappointment that workers have had to resort to strike action to be heard and respected. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the workers’ contributions and treating them with dignity in the workplace. Without immediate action from Harrods, there is a possibility of disruptions during the busy Christmas season.
In response to the union’s claims, a Harrods spokesman stated that UVW is not a recognized union by the company and therefore, they do not engage with the organization on policy matters. The spokesman mentioned that Harrods maintains open communication with their employees and recognized unions regarding pay and benefits.
The ongoing dispute between Harrods workers and management highlights the challenges faced by employees in the retail sector, particularly during busy periods like the holiday season. As the workers prepare to vote on potential strike action, the outcome of the ballot will determine whether Harrods will face disruptions during one of the most crucial times of the year.
