PROTESTORS dressed as Robin Hood descended upon Chiltern Road's ALDI store this morning.

They were demonstrating on behalf of Unite, a trade union, which is standing against the actions of one of ALDI's former contractors.

Arrow XL is the contractor coming under fire from the Robin Hood protestors, who claim that the company is 'acting as Robin Hood in reverse,' and is paying its workers poorly.

Warrington Guardian: Members from the union were protesting in OrfordMembers from the union were protesting in Orford (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Members of Unite have been on strike since Friday, December 9.

The trade union has accused the company of not paying workers fairly, despite the high salaries of the company's directors: "Arrow XL is highly profitable and despite not being prepared to pay its workers a decent salary, this does not apply to the company’s directors.

"Arrow XL’s highest-paid director in 2021 was paid £539,000, an 84 per cent increase in just a year."

The company is responsible for two-person deliveries to brands such as ALDI, Amazon, LG, Very, and more - the deliveries to ALDI have included large garden equipment and barbecue items, too.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Arrow XL is guilty of acting as Robin Hood in reverse; it is taking money from its poorly paid workers to give to rich directors.

“Arrow XL needs to stop mistreating its workers and make a fair pay offer.

"Until Arrow XL treats its workers fairly, Unite will continue to expose its practices at every opportunity.”

Warrington Guardian: They were protesting against Arrow XLThey were protesting against Arrow XL (Image: Dave Gillespie)

This is not without its controversy, as Arrow XL has claimed that ALDI is not a current customer of theirs; Arrow XL said: "We are unsure as to why Unite is demonstrating at ALDI, who is not currently a customer of Arrow XL.

"We have already awarded all colleagues the increase that was offered during the negotiations which equates to an average of 8.25 per cent.

"We are extremely disappointed to be in this situation as we believe our pay offer to be fair, particularly in the light of our significantly increased operating costs and the need to keep home delivery charges reasonable for consumers. 

"We would like to express our utmost thanks and appreciation to all colleagues who continue to attend work as normal, we are very grateful for their ongoing support."

An ALDI spokesperson was keen to highlight that Arrow XL 'has not worked with ALDI since July 2022, doesn’t have a contract with ALDI, and ALDI will not be engaging the company at any point in the future.'