Gloucestershire textile workers take further strike action
Unite members at WSP Textiles in Stroud and Dursley are walking out in a dispute over pay
Workers at a textile company in Gloucestershire are taking further strike action in a dispute over pay.
Unite members at WSP Textiles in Stroud and Dursley started walk out's today (February) which will continue until Saturday (February 7), with additional action planned from 11th to 13th February.
The announcement of further strike action comes after union members rejected recent a 2.35 per cent pay offer from the company.
According to Unite, many workers earn little more than minimum wage and have not seen an above-inflation pay rise in years.
WSP produce tennis ball felt for manufacturers such as Wilson, Slazenger, and Dunlop, which is used in tournaments including Wimbledon and the French Open.
The company’s snooker baize is also used worldwide, including by the World Snooker Tour.
Unite claims the factories in Stroud and Dursley have already come to a standstill during previous strike action in January.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:"Workers at WSP do an extremely skilled job that allows highly-paid sports stars to bring pleasure to millions around the world.
“This is a profitable company which is attempting to deny its workers fair pay. Our members will have the full support of their union in this fight."
Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs added: "WSP has failed to recognise the anger among its workforce. Given it has failed to make a fair pay offer, our members are forced to take further strike action.
“WSP need to come back to the negotiating table with a much better offer or major tennis and snooker events will be under threat and WSP will be rightly blamed."
WSP Textiles have been approached for comment.