Is an increase in industrial action on the horizon?

12th May 2022

Industrial action usually happens when a dispute in the workplace can’t be resolved through negotiation between the company and its workforce. Over the past decade or so, instances of wide scale industrial action have been relatively few and far between. However, it seems that this might be about to change. There are currently several examples within the food and drink sector of unions balloting members ahead of industrial action.

Food business operators (FBOs) may be particularly vulnerable to industrial action in the current climate with inflation, Brexit, the war in Ukraine and the hike in energy costs all contributing to stresses within the sector. FBOs may decide that new working conditions, which include reduced pay and holiday entitlement, are necessary to keep the business afloat. However, if workers are not prepared to accept the new terms, industrial action can often be the result, particularly when ‘fire and rehire’ tactics are threatened.

WM Comment

At Walker Morris we have a very experienced team of employment lawyers who are well versed in navigating the complexities of industrial action. Don’t leave it until the last minute to speak to us, it is far better to be prepared than having to react when the threat of industrial action becomes a reality.