Consultative ballot sees 88% of Wilko Employees voting for industrial action following ‘savage’ cuts.

Wilko keyworkers are ready to strike after bosses cut their sick pay entitlement, while management kept their own terms.  A consultative ballot saw 88% vote they were ready to take action up to and including strike action following the ‘savage’ cuts. 

The discount high street chain remained open throughout the pandemic thanks to the hard work and dedication of their employees - and remained open on Boxing Day unlike many other retailers. 

Wilko has repaid this loyalty by announcing devastating cuts to the sick pay of their staff. 

Currently Wilko employees are entitled to up to four occasions of sickness on company sick pay before reverting to the first three days of sick leave unpaid. 

But from the February 1, if a Wilko employee has a single day of sickness they will have no further entitlement to company sick pay for the next 12 months. 

Many of these workers are on minimum wage, low hours and also have no entitlement to statutory sick pay which will leave them with no income if they become ill. 

Management are exempt from these changes. 

Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, said:  “Wilko keyworkers are furious – and 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, which management are keeping theirs. It’s grotesque.   Wilko, a so-called family company, should be utterly ashamed of themselves. 

“GMB has contacted Wilko requesting meaningful negotiation on the sick pay agreement.  

"If Wilko will not negotiate then GMB members have spoken and strike action across the company will be inevitable.”