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Asda Workers Vote For Strike Action

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted March 7, 2024

Over 170 employees at the Asda store in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike, according to the GMB union.

The decision comes in response to grievances over reduced working hours and a perceived increase in a bullying management style.

The GMB union said the ballot was "sparked" by "cuts to hours and an increase in a bullying management culture."

Keith Dixon, a union organiser for the Cambridgeshire region, said: "Asda Wisbech workers will now go on strike - just the second time this has happened in an Asda store - after this historic vote.

"They're understandably angry about slashed hours, a non-existent training programme, bullying management, a lack of understanding for H&S [health and safety] and fire safety and almost no negotiation with the GMB.

"These problems stem from the top; money is being stripped out of the business and workers in stores are feeling the pain."

Action follows strike action in Hampshire

The GMB said strike dates will be announced shortly.

The union said the action followed a two-day strike at another Asda location in Gosport, Hampshire, earlier in the year.

A GMB spokesman said Asda employees in Lowestoft, Suffolk, are also undergoing a vote.

Asda said it was "committed to resolving any concerns raised."

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The supermarket said: "Following constructive discussions with GMB officials, we took proactive and practical steps in Wisbech to address the health & safety points raised.

"In addition, we have repeatedly asked them to evidence the claims they have made about our store management. However, we are still waiting for this information.

"Although we are disappointed by the GMB's decision to proceed with this course of action, we will continue to engage with them and listen to their concerns."

Asda added that it had "comprehensive plans in place to minimise any disruption in the event of industrial action."

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