Davy McMurray, Unite

Initial strike dates to coincide with Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup

100% vote for strike action on a turnout of 71%

March 2nd: Davy McMurray, Unite officer with responsibility for the union’s membership in Sean Graham bookmakers has called on management to urgently address the issues of poverty pay and staff security ahead of planned strike action by workers:

“Following a 100% rejection of a management pay offer which would have left our members on the minimum wage payable under UK law, Unite balloted our members on their willingness to take industrial action. The unanimous result in support of taking strike action highlights the strength of feeling among our members and their determination to secure a Living Wage.

“Unite has repeatedly highlighted issues of concern for our members at Sean Graham bookies, who are overwhelmingly composed of female workers. These include personal security concerns over the absence of protective barriers and the absence of overtime rates or compensation for unsocial working hours.

“Following on from this unanimous vote for strike action, the union has confirmed initial strike action will take place on Tuesday March 15th (Champion Hurdle Day) and Friday March 18th (Gold Cup Day) during the Cheltenham festival.

“Even at this late stage, it is not too late for management to avoid unnecessary disruption by bringing forward a Living Wage pay proposal addressing the legitimate expectations of their valuable staff”, Mr McMurray concluded.