STRIKE action continues at a distribution centre in Bridgwater.
Union member workers from the Argos centre, based at Notaro Business Park, Huntworth, began their three-week strike on Tuesday, August 15, to efforts to join three other sites across the country.
The strike was called over issues concerning workers rights. Unite claims that Argos has failed to give guarantees at all its logistics sites that workers’ future terms and conditions will be safeguarded, after nearly 500 workers were transferred from its Lutterworth distribution hub in Leicestershire to Wincanton Logistics in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
To keep momentum going, a 'solidarity hour' was organised by the Bridgwater Trades Union Council (TUC) for other trade unions to show support.
The event was held at the picket line outside the distribution centre today from 1.30pm until 2.30pm.
Janet Wall, regional officer for Unite the Union, said: "I am really pleased to see a brilliant turn out.
"We are going to see more attacks on workers and workers' rights. It won't be the law that looks after us, it will be ourselves.
"'Flexibility' only means working cheaper and working longer hours.
"We're showing the employers that the workers are still 100 per cent. There's no sign of weakness.
"We are fighting for what we feel is a just cause, an attack on workers' rights is just to increase profits."
Argos is now owned by supermarket giant Sainsbury's. Fears the Bridgwater centre could soon be reduced to a click and collect counter in the supermarket are rife within the Bridgwater TUC, but Argos has denied this.
RELATED: Union fears Bridgwater's Argos could close in just a few months
Workers at the picket line, who wished to stay anonymous, said that the strike was about fairness. They said they enjoyed their jobs, but just want to be valued.
Dave Chapple, secretary of the Bridgwater TUC, said that unions within the town have a strong relationship.
The hour was organised in order show support to the Argos workers. Members of the public and other unions joined the picket line in solidarity.
"I understand how strong a tradition there is in this town," he said.
"Bridgwater people are proud to be in a traditional union, and proud to be working class.
"I hope you're as proud as I am to be that.
"If you don't go on strike every now and then, you're a slave.
"I hope you win."
The strike is set to continue until September 5.
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