Britain's Biggest Brands Have Serious Problems Right Now

Thanks to the ongoing pandemic and the atrocious acts of Russia, the global supply chain has been disrupted, causing lengthy delays for automakers everywhere. These automakers and their suppliers are all working to find ways of resolving these issues, with some starting to forecast a positive outlook. But in Britain, things seem to be getting worse, particularly for some of the nation's elite automakers. Aston Martin, McLaren, and Bentley are all facing increased supply issues, and this time, it has little to do with global issues experienced in the macro space. Rather, these delays are looming because of imminent strike action.

The strike action is planned by workers of a company called Tipton CabAuto, which supplies interiors for Aston Martin and the other two abovementioned automakers. Workers there are intending to begin a period of seven one-day strikes in June and July because a recent proposed pay increase of 3% was deemed "a real-terms pay cut" because of the rising rates of inflation, currently over 11%. When the tradesmen are responsible for the seats and interior trims of cars like the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and McLaren Senna - both of which have MSRPs that are deep into six-figure territory - it's understandable that they feel disgruntled at such a low offer.

To make their point, the employees will be following the recommendation of their union, Unite, embarking on a strike on June 28 and 30 and July 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. According to local news outlet Coventry Telegraph, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham had the following to say: "CabAuto should be thoroughly ashamed of itself. This workforce is making cars for the super-rich but their employer, sitting on millions, keeps them on rock bottom pay and refuses a reasonable wage rise. This sort of disgraceful inequality is why workers in this country have had enough."

With global stock markets trading at remarkably low points lately, it remains to be seen how CabAuto will respond to the demands of more money, but hopefully, the issue will be resolved soon.