All bets off as Ladbrokes go on strike

Oct 6 2008

HUNDREDS of workers hung up their receivers at a major betting call centre in Liverpool this weekend.

The Union of Shop, Distribution and Allied Workers (Usdaw) members at the Ladbrokes call centre site, in Aintree, held a 24-hour strike yesterday.

Pickets gathered outside on one of the busiest betting days in the horse racing calendar after the company maintained a below-inflation pay offer of 3%.

It was the second one-day action this year, and saw staff come out from 5am on Sunday until 5am today. This meant many phone lines were unavailable to take bets for a showcase race in France – the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Usdaw’s area organiser Michelle Owens said: “Staff on site are furious the company has not increased its 3% pay offer at a time when inflation is nearer 5%.