Unite In the Community confirms solidarity protests outside SP Graham outlets in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry

Union dismisses management justification and spin on poverty pay offer

March 14th: Ahead of industrial action by workers demanding a Living Wage from SP Graham Ltd, Unite Regional Officer with responsibility for staff, Davy McMurray, has dismissed management spin in justification of their most recent poverty pay offer:

“SP Graham management are attempting to spin their latest pay offer as being was worth more 10%; however, when you factor out the Government’s increase in the lowest wage payable the pay increase over two years is only a percentage point.

“In order to deny the impact of likely industrial action, management are claiming Unite membership represents only one quarter of overall staff but what they are failing to tell the punters striking staff represent approximately three-quarters of customer-facing staff.

“Our members are reporting strong support among the public and punters for their industrial action. Members in Unite’s community branches and others will be organising solidarity protests at other SP Graham outlets.

“The determination and action taken by the workers at SP Graham is showing the way for all workers, especially those in this highly profitable sector, to secure a Living Wage”, Mr McMurray concluded.