Staff at the Village Hotel in Walsall are preparing to protest outside the hotel during England’s opening match of the World Cup, escalating a pay dispute that will lead to over three weeks of strike action.
The strike, involving employees from hospitality, gym, events, reception, and housekeeping departments, will take place on multiple dates between mid-June and early July. Unite the Union reports that the dispute centers on the hotel’s refusal to pay the Living Wage rate of £13.45, along with unequal pay for younger workers performing the same roles as their older colleagues. Additionally, the union criticizes the hotel for not recognizing Unite for collective bargaining purposes.
This industrial action could affect bar and grill services during a period expected to be among the busiest of the year, coinciding with World Cup matches screened at the venue.
READ MORE: Parents Urged to Stay Vigilant as Police Investigate Rising TikTok-Related Crimes Against Children Under 13
READ MORE: Warning for UK Households as Nivea Shrinks Sun Cream Size but Keeps Price
Unite’s national hospitality lead, Bryan Simpson, emphasized the workers’ patience and efforts to resolve the dispute amicably: “For nearly two months, staff have raised concerns and followed proper procedures, yet Village Hotels chose to ignore them. After a decisive vote for strike action, the message is clear—if the company wants to avoid significant disruption during peak trading times, it must come to the negotiating table.”
In response, a Village Hotels spokesperson stated that only a small fraction of the Walsall team voted for industrial action. The hotel remains committed to engaging with staff directly while ensuring guests can fully enjoy World Cup events at the venue.