Net-a-porter: London workers to vote on strike action

“Employees at Net-a-porter are to vote on strike action after the company_s management went back on its commitment to pay the London living wage_” according to a statement from the Gmb union_ which has 500_000 members in the UK.

More than 100 workers at the luxury retailer's Charlton warehouse_ which is part of LuxExperience_ will decide whether to walk out over the broken promise.

Net-a-porter “had promised in 2021 to align with the London living wage_ but has now offered workers a significantly lower figure. According to the current proposals_ the lowest-paid staff would receive 14.41 pounds an hour_” explained the workers' representatives.

“For a luxury fashion brand that serves wealthy clients around the world_ it is simply unacceptable that the people doing the work are struggling to make ends meet in London. Workers are already facing rising costs and workloads following the recent restructuring_” stressed Craig Prickett_ regional organiser for the Gmb union. “Instead of recognising their contribution_ the company has put forward a pay proposal that keeps wages well below what is needed to live in London.”

FashionUnited contacted LuxExperience_ Net-a-porter's parent company_ for comment. The company stated: "LuxExperience confirms that it is engaged in a constructive and ongoing dialogue with its employees and their union representatives. Our key priority is to ensure we operate as a fair employer by offering a comprehensive compensation package.

"While no final decisions have yet been made regarding the ongoing vote_ we are fully committed to working with all stakeholders to reach a positive and sustainable resolution for our teams and the company."