Flashmob protest highlights low pay at Marks and Spencer

Unite the union staged a highly visual protest at the Marks and Spencer AGM last month over low pay and insecure labour at one of the company’s suppliers, Thanet Earth.

Union activists carried out a flashmob-style song and dance number, which they have also been performing across M&S stores. They also spelt out their opposition to exploitation in giant letters made of tomatoes.

Unite has been taking up complaints from the workforce, who pick and pack tomatoes and other salad and fruits, over alleged irregular labour conditions. The alleged offences include hostility to union organisation, bullying, taking bribes by agency supervisors and managers, and denial of holiday entitlement and pay.

Unite regional industrial officer Dave Weeks said: “We want to highlight the rotten working conditions at Thanet Earth. Most workers have no direct contract of employment and can be hired and fired at will. This is a major supplier to M&S which claims to be an ethical retailer. It is time for the supermarket to insist that Thanet Earth cleans up its act.”

The action is part of a major campaign by Unite to highlight the practices of Thanet Earth, which supplies most large supermarket chains. They are being investigated by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, which is expected to report shortly.

The song and dance can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5s2_4CU4Q