The union says the row centres on the hotel’s failure to pay the Living Wage of £13.45 an hour, alongside concerns over age-based pay differences for people doing the same work. It also says the company has not recognised it for collective bargaining.
Bryan Simpson said workers had raised concerns collectively for almost two months and had followed the required procedures before voting for action. He warned disruption could continue during what he called one of the hotel’s busiest periods unless talks begin.
The union has named 13 further strike dates across June and July, timed to coincide with other World Cup fixtures. That turns a local workplace dispute into an issue likely to be noticed by guests, supporters and the wider hospitality sector.
Village Hotels disputes the union’s portrayal of the action. A spokesperson said fewer than 10 employees from the Walsall workforce of 138 were expected to strike and argued that the action was backed by only a small minority of staff.
The company also says it always meets or exceeds minimum pay levels and intends to work directly with employees while keeping the hotel available to guests during the tournament.
The immediate test will be whether the first walkout prompts meaningful negotiations. With further stoppages planned, England’s next fixtures could become pressure points in a dispute that neither side appears ready to abandon.