WORKERS at a leading legal firm voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action against a below-inflation pay rise today.

GMB members employed by Thompsons Solicitors have voted to strike by a margin of 89 per cent on a turnout of 72 per cent.

The workers, including lawyers, call centre workers and admin staff, rejected management’s initial pay offer of 1 per cent.

Both sides of the dispute then went into negotiations with arbitration service Acas, which culminated in a 2 per cent pay deal being offered, however this was also rejected and the dispute moved to a ballot.

Union sources told the Star that members have consistently accepted below-inflation pay deals over the past, but were angered this year as the firm’s accounts have shown significant profits.

They also say that the Thompsons’ executive board has refused union representatives a place on the financial remuneration committee, and will not commit to a pay ratio policy.

One staffer told the Star: “Having accepted below-inflation pay increases for a number of years, we had finally got fed up of being told there wasn’t enough money to pay us cost-of-living increases and then seeing the equity partners taking home significant drawings on profit and remuneration packages.”

GMB is calling on Thompsons to honour a pay claim of 4 per cent to avoid strike action.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone involved with running industrial action ballots within the current restrictive legislation knows this is a phenomenal result.

“The GMB doesn't feel it needs to say any more than that at this stage. We think the ballot result speaks for itself and we would urge Thompsons to reflect on that.”

Thompsons people, finance and infrastructure director Michelle Cronin said: “While we are disappointed that GMB members have voted for industrial action, as an organisation with trade union values at our core we respect their right to do so.

“We remain committed to reaching an agreement that rewards staff, protects Thompsons’ long-term sustainability and enables us to continue to provide effective legal support to those who have, or may, entrust their case to us.”