Staff from a bedmaker in Trowbridge (UK) protested outside Sainsbury's in Melksham on 20th June, raising concerns over the bedmaker's employment practices. Organised with the GMB Union, the demonstration focused on alleged changes to employee terms and conditions, which the union claims were made to sidestep rises in the National Living Wage.
© Preechar Bowonkitwanchai | Dreamstime
GMB further alleges that the bedmaker, Airsprung, is attempting to "de-recognise the union and its members" and has withdrawn from future talks. A company spokesperson stated, 'For operational reasons the company has decided to de-organise the GMB.'
The protest targeted a Sainsbury's store housing an Argos outlet, which sells Airsprung products. GMB branch secretary Andy Newman stated that negotiations had been inconsistent and accused the company of poor holiday and sick pay practices. He added, 'GMB wants the business to succeed, but not at the expense of treating workers without dignity, respect and fair pay.'
A protest representative said, 'We want our voices to be heard and for our shocking treatment to be revealed in the public domain.'
The protest reflects growing tensions amid a challenging trading environment and ongoing scrutiny of employment standards within the industry.
Source: www.furniturenews.net