By Beverly Rademacher
Copyright expressandstar
Members of the Unite union, Britain’s leading trade union, have been left furious at being offered just 2.8 per cent and have overwhelmingly rejected the offer – branding it a real terms pay cut with inflation currently at 3.8 per cent with the cost of food, housing and utilities continuing to rise.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “It is completely unacceptable that a company like Johnson who are making money hand over fist think that they can squeeze our members’ pay.
“Its workforce deserve a pay award that means they can put a roof over their heads, food on their plates and pay their bills. Anything less is a disgrace and our members will have the full support of the union in their dispute.”
Johnsons Workwear is the leading supplier of work wear and protective wear in the UK. Part of Johnson Service Group (JSG), it also provides luxury linen services to hotels, restaurants and the hospitality industry.
According to JSG’s annual report and accounts, the business celebrated strong performance in 2024 with adjusted profits before taxation of £54.8 million.
Staff on the factory floor at Johnsons currently earn just £12.38 per hour, according to Unite, just 17 per cent an hour above the national minimum wage.
Unite regional officer Andy Taylor added: “Our members do hard, laborious and repetitive work on the factory floor, in often difficult conditions. They are earning barely above minimum wage. Meanwhile Johnson continues to make millions in profits. Our members won’t stand for this any longer and will be making their voices heard on the picket line this autumn.”
Strikes are set to take place outside the factory in Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, on Friday September 26, Friday October 3, Friday October 10 and Friday October 17.
Johnson Service Group said it has been made aware of the proposed industrial action, starting on Friday September 26, at its Birmingham workwear plant.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “The company respects the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action and remains committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all colleagues – whether participating in the action or continuing to work. The company is taking appropriate steps to ensure that its operations remain safe and there is no disruption to its customers and the wider community.
“Throughout this process JSG is committed to upholding applicable legal requirements and to engaging in good faith, constructive, dialogue with union representatives with the aim of reaching a fair and sustainable resolution.
“JSG would like to thank its employees, customers, and other stakeholders for their patience and understanding during this time.”
