retailpropertyanddevelopment.co.uk

Primark staff in Northern Ireland could go on strike over a two-year pay freeze being implemented by management.

Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) members employed by Primark in Northern Ireland are being balloted on possible strike action in protest at the company's imposition of a pay freeze for the second year in succession.

The official ballot, which closes tomorrow, follows a consultative ballot held in December 2011 in which 95 per cent of members voted in favour of holding a ballot for industrial action.

Staff at the retailer’s Northern Ireland business agreed to a pay freeze in 2010 following lengthy negotiations involving the Labour Relations Agency (LRA), however Primark refused to offer any pay rise last year which stimulated the call for a strike.

Usdaw has approximately 641 members employed in Primark's eight stores in Northern Ireland, around 85 per cent of the total number of staff.

No decisions have yet been taken on the form or timing of any strike action to take place and Usdaw is still trying to resolve the dispute with the assistance of the LRA.

Nicola Scarborough, Usdaw area organiser said: "Primark has a loyal and long-serving workforce in Northern Ireland and our members are dismayed and extremely angry at the company's attempt to impose a pay freeze for the second year running.

"Most staff at Primark Northern Ireland currently earn just £6.68 an hour and soaring prices and Government cuts to tax credits and other benefits mean they are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet.

"Our members are well aware of the tough trading conditions in retail, which is why they reluctantly agreed a pay freeze last time round, but they are equally aware that despite these difficulties, in the year to September 2011, Primark's sales increased by 13% and they made a profit of £309 million.

"Primark should play fair and reward staff for their central role in helping the company increase its sales and make those huge profits."