Union FNV is calling on the public to boycott shops where staff are taking strike action in an effort to increase pressure on employers to raise wages.

Staff at the Bijenkorf, Etos, Kruidvat and Holland & Barrett will be involved in action for higher pay on Friday and Saturday.

‘If you as a customer see that workers are staging a protest don’t go inside for a bit,’ FNV chair Tuur Elzinga told broadcaster NOS. ‘Keep your money in your pocket or shop somewhere else.’

Elzinga said union members would be handing out flyers to the public. ‘Of course we won’t stop people from going in but we do call on their solidarity,’ he said.

The Bijenkorf is ‘disappointed’ at the call to the public ‘at a time the big shops are open for the first time in this wonderful festive month,’ a spokesman told the Telegraaf.

The FNV is holding out for complete inflation compensation and a 14% raise in wages.