Sports events at risk as Gloucestershire textile workers go on strike over pay
Nearly 50 workers at WSP Textiles factories in Stroud and Dursley will take strike action in January
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
Workers at a textile company in Gloucestershire are to take strike action for the first time in the company’s history.
The strike by Unite members at WSP Textiles is part of a dispute over a recent a 2.35 per cent pay offer, which union members say is insufficient given the rising cost of living.
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, the trade union representing workers at WSP, said most staff earn just above the minimum wage and have not seen an above-inflation pay rise in years.
Nearly 50 workers at WSP factories in Stroud and Dursley will head to the picket line during strikes from 12th-20th January and 22nd-23rd January 2024.
Unite says major snooker and tennis tournaments could face disruption if strikes continue into winter and spring.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, 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."
According to Unite, WSP made nearly £1.4 million in profits in 2024, with over £23 million of revenue.
The Union added that production line workers earn less than £13 an hour, while the highest paid director earns nearly £100,000 annually.
The union’s regional officer Michael Hobbs said:
"WSP need to come back to the negotiating table with a much better offer or major tennis and snooker events could be under threat and WSP will be rightly blamed."
WSP responds to strike action
WSP Textiles has confirmed that the strike action will affect its manufacturing sites at Lodgemore Mills in Stroud and Cam Mills near Dursley.
WSP said the industrial action follows Unite’s rejection of the company’s pay offer and of 150 WSP employees, 46 are members of the union, with 28 voting in favour of the strike.
The company stated that it believes this does not justify taking such action, claiming it has the support of most of its workforce.
Chief Executive Duncan Kettell said:
“Most of our people have been with us for many years and we have a good record on pay. Our offer reflects challenging business conditions at the moment and what we can afford.
“As far as I can remember, strike action here at WSP Textiles is a first but I’ve made it clear that the door remains open should the union bring a new proposal to the table.
“I have written to all employees in early December explaining the reasons for our pay offer and confirming that the Board will continue to work with the union to try to resolve the issue.”
WSP has said that pay talks have been ongoing since spring, with its offer reflecting tough trading conditions and a decline in turnover.