1,000 Argos distribution centre workers prepare for 24-hour strike over contracts

Members of the Unite union voted to strike at four distribution centres for 24 hours due to the changes Argos is making to the terms and conditions of their contracts. The retailer said it is making the changes as it adapts its business for customers’ shopping habits.

Argos does not expect the strike to affect customers after putting in place contingency plans to ensure a normal service.

Strike action is taking place despite only two distribution centre staff out of 1,219 not accepting the new contracts, which require staff to work more flexible hours. Unite said the changes to contracts will mean increased weekend working, which it said will adversely impact the family lives of workers.

Argos has offered those moving onto a new contract a transition payment of £2,000 and the same rate of pay.

An Argos spokesman said: “Argos has a five-year transformation plan to become a digital retail leader, which involves matching our digital and in-store services to customers’ shopping preferences.

“Distribution colleagues are key to the success of this plan, and we are proposing 350 new permanent distribution jobs as part of this process.

“99.8 per cent of our distribution colleagues have already accepted the changes to their contract, and we are working hard to understand and address any outstanding queries or issues.”