M&S in internet attack

A union has taken to the internet to launch a 'cyber-assault' on Marks & Spencer as an alternative to striking.

Unite, Britain’s biggest union with nearly two million members, says that from today anyone using Google to search for M&S will be confronted by an advertisement attacking the supermarket chain for failing to live up to its own ethical trading standards.

However, searches made by Web User for M&S on Google this morning led to the high-street store's website and not the advertisement.

Tony Woodley, the Unite general secretary, said: "The power of the internet gives unions the potential to go beyond its membership and reach out directly to millions of people and influence consumers. For companies such as M&S, its brand is everything."

The internet campaign is timed to coincide with demonstrations outside M&S shops amid claims that there is "widespread discrimination" against migrants working for meat suppliers.

The two sides have been in talks for three months over allegations that M&S operates a "two-tier" workforce in companies that supply the chain with meat and poultry.

A spokesperson for M&S denied the claims saying that they were "extremely disappointed with the action Unite is taking."

The innovative action taken by Unite by utilising the internet reflects a growing trend by labour unions to use alternative weapons to exert pressure on employers.

Unite used YouTube earlier this month to highlight the plight of workers who lost their jobs at Lil-lets, the tampon manufacturers, by posting a 'period drama' of the unemployed workers.

www.google.co.uk
www.marksandspencer.com
www.unitetheunion.org.uk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_o3B-RZ72Q

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