12.01.2024 / Press releases / HARRODS

Harrods’ hospitality workers ready to strike for third time if pay promise after consultative ballot not kept

• Harrods has offered a pay review and increase by 1 April 2024, following moves by UVW bar and kitchen staff
• A consultative ballot saw the UVW members vote unanimously to declare their third dispute over pay
• Bar and restaurant staff remain committed to strike action if the store does not deliver on its promise, after two previous victories in 2017 and 2021

Following two UVW victorious disputes for workers’ tips in 2017 and a huge 25 percent wage increase in December 2021, Harrods’s hospitality workers are ready for a third strike if the world renowned store doesn’t keep its pay rise promise.

A majority of workers and UVW members voted positively in December over their willingness to declare a third pay dispute. Despite it being a preliminary consultation, Harrods has taken note of their past and present resolve and confirmed they will be offering a pay rise for all staff this year.   

The store however has not offered specific details yet and while UVW members welcome the prospect of a pay rise they remain poised to move to ballot for strike action if Harrods does not deliver an above-inflation pay rise.

Before UVW members organised the 2017 and 2021 disputes at the emblematic London store, its wealthy owners were paying poverty wages to waiting and kitchen staff as well as keeping 75% of their tips. All this was changed through UVW-led campaigning which included massive demonstrations and the threat of sustained strike action.

Petros Elia, UVW general secretary said:

“Over the years, UVW has supported our members as they stood up to Harrods bosses and won amazing victories to keep their hard earned tips and be paid a dignified wage, and we will never lower the guard. We are proud to have set a new benchmark for pay in the hospitality sector as well as pioneering pay demands in the UK hospitality industry, which is riddled with precarity. We are committed to continue to push for better pay and conditions in Harrods. The store bosses would be wise to listen to our members’ concerns as their resolve for dignity and respect at work is unbreakable and they will move to strike if they have to.”

For more information contact the comms team.

Cristina: 07548 759340

Isabel: 07706 987443

Jim: 07749 765264

E-mail: comms@uvwunion.org.uk 

Notes for editors

United Voices of the World is an anti-racist, member-led, direct action, campaigning trade union and we exist to support and empower the most vulnerable groups of precarious, low-paid and predominantly BAME and migrant workers in the UK. We fight the bosses through direct action on the streets and through the courts and demand that all members receive at least the London Living Wage, full pay, sick pay, dignity, equality and respect.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISPUTE:

• Harrods Campaign overview 
• Strike averted as workers celebrate huge 25% pay rise at Harrods
• Victory at Harrods

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