Hundreds of Oxfam workers are gearing up for a huge strike lasting 17 days next month to protest their low pay.
The walkout marks the first instance of industrial action in the charity’s history.
The union Unite said Oxfam staff members are unhappy over a reported 21 percent real-term reduction in average wages since 2018.
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The employees work across shops, offices, and in the Oxford headquarters.
Oxfam’s reported cash reserves reached £44.6 million in 2022, the highest in at least five years.
The proposed pay offer of £1,750 or six percent (whichever is higher), along with a one-off taxed payment of £1,000 for the lowest earners, was rejected by Unite members.
The strike mandate was overwhelmingly endorsed, with 83 percent in favor and an 82 percent turnout.
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“Rank hypocrisy”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Oxfam wants to end poverty and says it is on the side of unions.
“Yet its own workers report having to use foodbanks, it refuses to engage with the only union representing its workforce and it is considering using unpaid labour to break a strike.
“This is rank hypocrisy from an organisation that should know better.”
“Oxfam is an extremely wealthy organisation and can afford to put forward an acceptable offer without impacting its charity work in the slightest.
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“Its workers have their union’s total and unflinching support as they strike to make sure that happens.”
Scheduled for December 8-9, 14-17, 20-24, and 26-31, the strike would impact Oxfam offices and more than 200 shops.
Unite warned of potential escalation if the ongoing pay dispute remains unresolved.
