According to a statement released on the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers’ Web site, the United Kingdom trade union will go ahead with four 24-hour strikes at Ladbrokes telephone betting call center in Liverpool following a below-inflation pay offer.
The union chose to strike after the London-listed bookmaker declined a bid for an improvement on its 3 percent pay offer. The first strike was set for Saturday, Aug. 23.
“Industrial action is a last resort for our members and demonstrates their frustration,” said Michelle Owens, area organizer, in a prepared statement. “However, with food and energy bills going up all the time, our members are understandably disappointed at the company's refusal to negotiate an improved offer.”
“We will be keeping the door open for further negotiations,” Ms. Owens continued. “We hope that Ladbrokes will come forward with a meaningful, improved offer and work with Usdaw to avert disruption to the business by putting an offer on the table that is acceptable to everyone.”