by Derek Kotz

Industrial reporter

STRIKE action at retail chain Wilko is “inevitable” if the company fails to row back on “savage” sick-pay cuts, the GMB said today.

Key workers at the stores have voted by nearly nine to one for action in a consultative ballot that closed today.

Despite Wilko workers keeping the outlets open throughout the pandemic, the union says that the company has told staff that they will lose all further sick pay for a year after just one absence, although bosses will keep theirs.

At present workers are allowed four bouts of paid sick leave before reverting to the first three days being unpaid.

Many Wilko staff are on minimum wage and low hours and many do not qualify for statutory sick pay, leaving them with no income if they become ill.

GMB national officer Roger Jenkins said: “Wilko key workers are furious and it’s no wonder.

“They’ve worked through the pandemic — risking themselves and their families — dealing with a lack of social distancing, increased threats and abuse from customers. 

“Now bosses have told them they’re slashing their sick pay entitlement [while] management are keeping theirs. It’s grotesque.”

Mr Jenkins said that the company should be “utterly ashamed of themselves” and that failure to enter meaningful talks would mean that “strike action across the company will be inevitable.” 

A Wilko spokesperson said: “We’re naturally disappointed with the ballot result, industrial action isn’t in anyone’s best interest at this challenging time for both retail in general and the high street.  

“We believe the right way to resolve any differences for the benefit of our customers and team members is through listening, talking and working things through together.”