Game, Set and Match

After weeks of determined strike action that began in mid January, WSP Textiles workers in Stroud and Dursley yesterday (5 March) voted to accept an improved pay offer from the company.

The workers at the sports cloth manufacturer were on strike for the first time in their history, and the industrial action saw snooker and tennis tournaments under threat due to a lack of baize and balls, with striking workers protesting outside a snooker tournament at one point.

The textile workers produce some of the most famous sporting cloth in the world, with their tennis ball felt supplied to manufacturers like Wilson, Slazenger and Dunlop for use at Wimbledon, the French and Australian Open, and their snooker baize covering tables across the globe at World Snooker Tour tournaments.

By standing together on the picket line, members forced WSP back to the table and secured a 6.1% consolidated pay rise over two years, an extra half day annual leave in 2026 and employer pension contribution increased to 7%.

Their solidarity also resulted in agreements for an additional Unite shop steward and a commitment from the employer to discussions on a future bonus scheme.

The dispute proved the power of collective action as they won real improvements and gained public support. It also resulted in the Unite branch growing in the workplace, with the branch signing up 16 new members during the dispute as colleagues realised that the best way to improve pay and conditions is through organising.

Unite Shop Steward Steve Hall said, “After over 20 days of strike action we finally got the company to offer us a 2 year deal of 6.1% with an increase in pension contributions. A half day holiday, for this year only, and a commitment to look into a bonus scheme based on profits. 

“We would have liked more but with the current situation we felt this would be a good time to accept the offer. 

“The support we had from the general public was amazing and we have shown the company that we are a solid unit. Standing together to achieve a fairer pay deal than the measly 1.5% they first offered. 

“We hope going forward that the company treats us with a little more respect when entering wage negotiations.”

Unite South West regional secretary Steve Preddy said the example of textile workers in Gloucestershire showed that there is “power in a union”, adding,

“Following weeks of brave unified strike action Unite members at WSP have won their pay dispute. 

“The employer had refused to improve on a demoralising sub inflation offer. Coming on top of years of similar wage worsening cuts. They decided enough was enough.

“Voting overwhelmingly to strike for the first time ever, these incredible workers, many with over 30 – 40 years of service, stood firm, and today, following weeks of steadfast courage and determination, the company yielded and made an improved offer that satisfied our members’ just demands!”

Tournaments like Wimbledon can now take place this summer safe in the knowledge that the skilled textile workers, essential to producing the sports cloth they rely on, are being paid a fair wage.

By Keith Hatch