Chris Moore, Gloucestershire Socialist Party
Unite members at WSP Textiles factories in Stroud and Cam in Gloucestershire have been forced to take strike action for the first time in their history. Negotiations that have been ongoing since spring 2025 have resulted in a derisory pay offer of just 2.35% from the company.
The skilled workforce produces tennis ball felt used by manufacturers Wilson, Slazenger and Dunlop at Wimbledon, the French and Australian Open; and snooker baize that is used in World Snooker Tour tournaments in the UK, USA and China.
On its website, the company calls itself a ‘thriving business’. It made nearly £1.4 million in profit after tax and £23 million of revenue in 2024, while its highest-paid director earns nearly £188,000 – yet production line workers earn under £13 per hour.
Mike Hobbs, the regional Unite officer, explained that the company offered 2.25%, which was rejected. The bosses wanted changes to the notice period, because they have retention problems because of the low pay levels, and in return for the workforce agreeing to this, the company increased the offer by 0.1%! “Members were angry and upset by this insult and balloted for strike action. We’ve had nine days of strike action and more are likely.”
As one of the pickets said: “We’re up for this. Most of us have been here over 30 years and we’ve only once had a pay rise in line with inflation. We sell to over 40 countries worldwide. The company makes profits year after year, some directors are on over £100,000, with thousands in bonuses. It’s a skilled job, we just want a little recognition for our work and to be treated fairly.”
- Send messages of support to Mike Hobbs: Michael.hobbs@unitetheunion.org
