WSP Textiles, a renowned Gloucestershire manufacturer supplying high-quality cloth for prestigious sports tournaments such as Wimbledon and the Snooker World Championships, is continuing its strike action into a second consecutive month.
With factories located in Stroud and Dursley, WSP produces some of the world’s most iconic sports textiles. Their tennis ball felt is supplied to leading brands like Wilson, Slazenger, and Dunlop, serving not only Wimbledon but also the Australian and French Opens. Additionally, their snooker baize is used worldwide, covering tables in major World Snooker Tour events across the UK, USA, and China.
The workforce is striking again this week and next (February 2–7 and 11–13) in response to a company pay offer of just 2.35% amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Many workers, who earn just above minimum wage, have not seen a pay rise surpassing inflation for years, fueling frustration and demand for fair compensation.
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This wave of strikes follows nine days of industrial action in January (12–20 and 22–23), during which production halted completely. With nine additional strike days scheduled this month, there are growing concerns that upcoming sports tournaments this summer could be jeopardized due to production delays and unfulfilled orders.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham highlighted the contradiction, stating, “WSP workers perform a highly skilled job that supports elite athletes entertaining millions worldwide. This profitable company is denying its employees a fair wage. Our members have the union’s full backing in this fight.”
Financial reports show WSP generated £1.4 million in profits in 2024 with revenues exceeding £23 million. Despite this, the highest-paid director earns nearly £100,000 annually, while factory workers make less than £13 per hour.
Unite Regional Officer Michael Hobbs condemned the company’s stance: “WSP has ignored the legitimate grievances of its workforce. With no fair pay offer forthcoming, further strike action is inevitable. Failure to negotiate responsibly risks disrupting major tennis and snooker events, for which WSP will be held accountable.”
Attempts to obtain a comment from WSP Textiles were unsuccessful as no representatives were available to respond.