SPORTS DIRECT
Find outmore HERE Sports Direct stores pay probe
An HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into Sports Direct for not paying its 3,000 warehouse staff the national minimum wage is understood to have been widened to include the retail giant’s 13,000 shop workers.
The company potentially saved millions of pounds by docking warehouse workers 15 minutes pay if they were a minute late, not paying them for working late and forcing employees to wait unpaid in long queues to be searched at the end of every shift. The measures meant many employees were paid below the minimum wage – and now shop workers have reported similar practices in-store.
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said the company’s bosses have reaped what they’ve sown.
“Sports Direct now serves as a continuing reminder to bad bosses everywhere that mistreating workers does catch up on you and will cost you dear in the end,” he said. “We urge workers who believe that they have not been fairly paid to step forward, and speak to Unite.”
• As we go to press Unite is now balloting warehouse staff members in Sports Direct on a deal for back pay negotiated with the company and HMRC. A result is expected in August. See page 22
DOCKWORKERS Find out more HERE
Dockers’ rights day
Liverpool dock workers at Seaforth container terminal took part in an international day of action in July.
The Defend Dockers’ Rights global day of action was in protest against governments’ and employers’ attacks on pay, job security and working terms and conditions of dock workers.
Over 100 Liverpool dock workers took part. “This is the first time the worldwide dock workers movement will carry out a collective action which highlights the contribution of dock workers to the world economy, and draws attention to the professional risks involved in their work,” said Unite regional officer Terry Teague.
“This action showed their resolve. Unite was proud to support the day.”
Betfred pay win
Eighty eight workers in Wigan, employed by Betfred one of the biggest high street bookmakers, are set to receive a share of £469,000 after Unite challenged the company when it denied its members their rightful redundancy pay. This will mean an individual average pay out of about £5,300.
The low-paid workers, predominately women, launched a successful social media campaign to ‘name and shame’ Betfred, after the company refused to pay out enhanced redundancy payments to workers (formerly employed by the Tote bookmakers) who lost their jobs after the closure of the Wigan call centre last year.
“The Justice for BetFred Workers Facebook page attracted hundreds of supporters expressing their solidarity and support.” said Unite regional officer Donna Kassim.
Unite north west regional secretary Mick Whitley added, “This shows how joint action can empower the workforce to challenge employers who don’t respect the terms and conditions of employment.”
Shop horror – inside a Sports Direct store REDUNDANCY PAY Find outmore HERE
Mark Harvey
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