Over 1,000 security workers who deliver cash and coins to some of supermarket giants Tesco, Morrisons and Asda have voted to strike in December, sparking fears of cash shortages in the run up to Christmas.
The strike by 1,200 GMB trade union members who work for security company G4S will take place from 3am on 4 December, as 97% of workers voted for industrial action in a row over pay.
Alongside the UK’s biggest supermarkets, G4S Cash Solutions also delivers to leading banks such as Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds, health and beauty retailer Boots and pub chains Wetherspoons and Greene King.
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G4S Cash, part of Allied International, originally offered members a part pay freeze, though have now tabled an offer of 4% and lump sum bonus based on contracted hours.
However, the last time G4S Cash workers voted to strike; the Bank of England is thought to have pressured the company into improving its offer because they the Bank’s insurer demands minimum staffing levels.
“There are low paid workers doing a dangerous job, transferring the cash so many of us still rely on every day,” GMB national officer Eamon O’Hearn said.
“All they are asking for is a wage they can live on, that they can feed their families on, that they can treat their children this Christmas on.
“G4S Cash staff provide an absolutely vital service. If they walk out, we can genuine cash shortages over the festive period.”
