Workers for retail chain Argos have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay.

The majority (67%) voted for the action after rejecting the company’s pay offer of 4.0%. Unite, the union that represents Argus workers, argues the pay deal is unfair considering profits are up 16% on last year’s and pay awards for senior members are rising – the chief executive officer, Terry Duddy, was awarded a 58% increase in his salary package in 2007 taking it to over £1.7m. The union is further angered that Argos intends to erode the sick pay scheme and implement monthly pay instead of weekly pay without any compensation.

Argos distribution workers across four key regional distribution centres at Basildon, Bridgwater, Heywood and Magna Park in Leicestershire will embark on a series of 24-hour strikes with the action escalating to a four-day stoppage.

Unite national secretary Jennie Formby said: “Argos now faces severe disruption to their customer distribution service. Our members have been working harder and more flexibly. Thanks to them, Argos distribution has managed to save over £10 million for the group in the last 15 months alone.

“Many distribution workers earn as little as £17,000 a year for doing back-breaking, essential work for this company. A below inflation wage offer is a pay cut and this is totally unacceptable to our members. They are already struggling to keep up with rising food and energy costs.”

Details of the strike dates will be announced next week.