Hundreds of Farmers retail staff are leaving the shop floor to protest low wages today

Strike action began last week with workers defying the company uniform policy - and has since escalated to walk outs and picket lines.

First Union Organiser, Kirstin Miller, says staff have struggled under the performance pay system for years.

She says it's detrimental to their self-worth when they put their best foot forward every day.

Stores are taking part in strike action in Auckland, East, West and North Shore stores, Wellington stores, Riccarton, Hamilton stores and Palmerston North stores.