Trade unions are to planning a strike across one of the North’s largest bookmakers on Grand National Day - traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for betting chains.
Davy McMurray, from Unite, said counter staff working in SP Graham outlets will go on strike on Saturday as part of a campaign to secure a "Living Wage" from the chain, which includes more than 26 bookie shops.
A new National Living Wage came into force in the UK from April 1st, which has established a rate of £7.20 (€8.91) per hour for workers aged 25 years and over.
Mr McMurray said: “This is a multi-million pound sector who can easily afford an uplift in wages: the only direct costs this company has are for the betting dockets.
“Companies across Northern Ireland will benefit from a 50 per cent increase in the employers’ National Insurance Contributions’ allowance this year as well as potentially a 7.5 per cent reduction in corporation tax in the near future. The intent of these policies is that they will pass on that benefit through higher pay and so stimulate consumption in the wider economy.”
‘Realistic pay increase’
He said the union is calling on SP Graham to offer a “realistic pay increase for their workers - one that reflects their contribution to business profits”.
But Chris Deery, general manager of SP Grahams, said the industrial action is supported by less than a quarter of the company's staff.
“As an employer we recognise the important role our staff play in making our business successful. We have offered a rate of pay to cashiers that will protect the viability of the business and jobs in the future.
“Managers will get the same 10.24 per cent rise across two years and are paid substantially above the National living Wage already. We can offer no more as to do so would cost jobs and cause shop closures,” Mr Deery said.
He added that the company hopes that Unite will recognise the steps that he says the company has “taken as a local business to create employment”.
Mr Deery said all of Sean Graham’s 26 shops will be open tomorrow.
