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Harrods faces Christmas strike as hundreds of workers vote to walk out

2025-09-18 20:58:42 By

Harrods failed to win the blind taste test

Harrods, the renowned London department store reeling from the crisis, is gearing up for further turmoil as numerous employees have resolutely opted for strike action during the crucial Christmas period.

Workers affiliated with the United Voices of the World (UVW) union are set to stage walkouts commencing at 8 pm on Friday, 20 December, continuing until Sunday, 22 December, and then resuming from 12 am on Boxing Day until 9.30 pm, as reported by City AM.

The strike is expected to involve staff from retail, restaurant, kitchen, and cleaning departments. Harrods has maintained that UVW does not constitute a recognized union within the store, claiming any strikes would fail to have an effect.

Despite this, UVW stated that their members "have had no option but to vote for strike yet again" following the refusal of Harrods' management "refuses to recognise or engage with their union for negotiations". Petros Elia, general secretary of United Voice of the World, remarked: "Contrary to what Harrods bosses say, we are still in a shameful period of their history."

He continued, asserting that: "Their employees are still feeling the impact of a prevailing and deep-rooted toxic culture."

Furthermore, he highlighted the disparities by stating: "Bosses at Harrods denying their dedicated workforce a Christmas bonuses and fair wages while lavishing obscene sums on its billionaire owners is proof."

In a final rebuke, he added: "It’s outrageous that our members across retail, restaurant, kitchen and cleaning have had to vote to strike just to be heard."

Lastly, he explained the workers' position: "The workers have been left with no choice but to strike because management refuses to engage with them or even recognise their union."

"We call on Harrods to come to the table and negotiate so the store can remain open for Christmas shopping and continue to serve all Londoners this festive season."

The strike action comes in the wake of ongoing revelations about former Harrods’ owner Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed, who is accused of sexual offences against numerous women but was never charged during his lifetime, passed away last year at the age of 94.

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Retail & Consumer2025-09-18 20:58:42

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Retail & Consumer2025-09-18 20:58:42

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