Around 100 workers at a distribution centre in Solihull owned by discount chain Farmfoods are set to take strike action next week.
The GMB union said its members were “furious” with the retailer’s management for turning down requests for union recognition and better pay.
The walkout is due to take place on the 24th and 25th of September.
“These workers have stood loyally with Farmfoods as it’s grown to a company with over £1bn in sales, but now they’re being told there isn’t the money for proper pay rises,” said Tom Warnett, GMB Organiser.
“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”.
Farmfoods has yet to comment.
The retailer’s latest accounts filed at Companies House show its turnover rose 8.0% to £1.02bn over the year to 30 December 2023 in “competitive” trading conditions. Operating profit was almost unchanged at £23.93m despite “continued cost pressure throughout the business”, with pre-tax profit edging up 3.5% to £23.0m.
Farmfoods operates over 340 outlets, mostly in Northern England and Scotland, although it has been slowly expanding in London and around the south of England in recent years.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Farmfoods had signed property deals to develop 24 new stores – more than it has opened in the past decade.
