Bookmakers strike at Aintree

Members of the Usdaw union working at the bookmakers Ladbrokes call centre in Aintree held a second 24-hour strike last Sunday to protest against their below-inflation pay offer of 3 percent.

The workers previously struck on 23 August.

The strike took place during the Arc de Triomphe horse race in France, affecting the many bets that are usually placed with Ladbrokes for this event. Around 80 workers joined picket lines.

Michelle Owens from Usdaw told Socialist Worker, “Workers are furious. The company made significant profits last year so the ability to pay is there.

“When costs including fuel bills are taken into account, we’re really looking at a rise of around 9 percent in the cost of living.”