Another Strike for Argos at Magna Park

On Friday 4 July UNITE members in 5 Argos distribution depots took their second day of strike action to oppose attacks on their terms and conditions. Management are trying to force through 12 changes, including compulsory changes to their shift pattern which will affect the work-life balance of workers, especially those with families. Some workers on the picket line in Magna Park Depot, Lutterworth, Leicestershire for example explained that it caused a problem with the access agreements they had to see their children.

They also plan to bring in a new performance management system which they fear will make it easier to get rid of workers.

By contrast, in May this year three of the directors were given £1.5 million worth of shares.

Nigel Ruddy, UNITE convener at the depot said:

“Half the workforce find it difficult to work Saturdays and the shift pattern the company are proposing. It also involves splitting rest days when we have break in our working week. The workforce find this unacceptable and there was an overwhelming vote for action.

“After the last day of action the company proposed an extra £400 on the one off payment to accept one of the changes — the new testing system — which was rejected by 70%. The strike has been well supported over all 5 sites.”