Workers say their wages have not caught up since a pay cut 10 years ago
CROWDS of Panasonic workers have begun formal strike action against their employer in a row over wages.
They say they took a six per cent pay cut about 10 years ago and their wages have not caught up since.
Panasonic Manufacturing UK makes appliances for Bosch, and Mesh Computers.
On November 15, the group, represented by the GMB union, protested outside the Panasonic factory in Pentwyn.
GMB Regional Officer Nicola Savage said: “There was a fantastic turnout on the picket lines and great support for our local community.”
This is the latest development following an overtime ban imposed by the union on November 8.
“There’s a lot of production going on there at the moment and they are heavily relying on overtime,” said Ms Savage.
The strikes are the culmination of an ongoing pay row that has heated up since the turn of the year.
After receiving no pay increase throughout 2020, the workers entered pay discussions at the beginning of 2021.
Panasonic offered a one per cent rise in April but after the decision went to an internal consultative ballot in June, the union members rejected it.
In response to this, Panasonic took the offer off the table and withdrew from further discussions over pay.
Staff feel especially disgruntled after several had taken a 6% wage cut around 10 years ago to help the company out but that’s never been made good.
Ms Savage said: “Staff at Panasonic deserve to be well paid. They deserve the recognition for working through the pandemic as well as having been previously subjected to the 6% pay reduction.
“Their salary is worth less today than it was over 10 years ago.”
Further strikes will be happening over next three Mondays.
Panasonic has been approached for comment.
