'World's Most Famous Store' Faces Strike Action

Staff at top London store, Harrods, are threatening to strike if a row over pay is not settled.

According to union leaders, the pay deal being imposed favours non-union workers.

The proposed action comes after Harrod's boss Mohamed Al Fayed gave two extra day's leave to shop floor staff but not drivers, warehouse and maintenance workers.

Now, Unite is to ballot 276 essential workers including the engineers responsible for maintaining lifts, escalators and air conditioning on possible action.

It is understood the plans were simply broadcast over the shop's loudspeaker system, further infuriating staff.

Unite say that "staff are also angry" that they have been offered a below inflation pay offer of 3.5% at a time when "rising food and energy costs are going through the roof".

Unite Regional Officer Debbie McSweeney said: "If this strike goes ahead the rich and famous might have to find somewhere to do their shopping.

"Our members keep Harrods running, they ensure the lights stay on, the building operates safely and shoppers can get about the store. It is difficult to imagine how the shop could function properly without them.

"Unless Harrods return to the negotiating table with an improved and fairer deal for our members, the world's most famous store faces a very expensive strike."

Commenting, Richard Munn, a Unite regional official said: "Harrods shoppers will be surprised to learn that the "top people's shop treats its workers in this way".

In response, a Harrod's spokesperson said: "Now everybody has the same holiday entitlement. It has brought everyone else into line with the union members."

"It will be inconvenient but it won't jeopardise the running of the business," he added.

The ballot for industrial action begins on August 4 and closes on August 18.

(DS)