Nearly 100 workers employed by Valley Vets in South Wales are to take the first-ever strike action at a private veterinary practice, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said.
Valley Vets has offered its lowest-paid staff a derisory pay rise that takes them slightly above the minimum wage. This is despite 80 percent reporting that they regularly borrow money to meet basic living costs and five percent reporting having to use food banks.
Meanwhile, higher-paid workers have been offered increases of between one and 1.5 percent from April 2024. The offer is a real-term pay cut, as the RPI rate of inflation was 3.3 percent when the deal was due to be implemented.
Valley Vets is owned by VetPartners, which recorded gross profits of £553 million in 2023 – an increase of nearly £120 million from the year before.
In addition to paying poverty wages, VetPartners has been accused of overcharging pet owners. The Competition and Markets Authority is currently conducting a sector-wide investigation into overcharging, including at VetPartners.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is disgusting that Valley Vets staff are getting into debt and using foodbanks to survive when profits are astronomical. This is just pure corporate greed from a company that is already being investigated for widespread profiteering.
“Unite is supporting our Valley Vets members 100 percent as they strike for a fair pay rise and improvements to their terms and conditions.”
The workers, who undertake a range of roles, including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and animal care assistants, will strike for two weeks from 16 July until 30 July. Industrial action will severely impact Valley Vets operations and will escalate if the dispute is not resolved.
Unite regional officer Paul Seppman said: “Valley Vets and VetPartners are entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused. These workers are being forced to strike over poverty pay and this hugely wealthy company’s refusal to pay a living wage and provide reasonable terms and conditions.
“Industrial action could still be avoided but only if the company returns with an acceptable offer.”
