// Union GMB has launched a ballot with Asda workers to gauge support for strike action at the grocer’s distribution centres
// Asda staff rejected a pay deal in February and the union has shunned the grocer’s revised offers, which would see workers’ sick pay cut
Thousands of Asda warehouse workers will today begin a vote to assess support levels for industrial action after unions rejected a pay deal that would have seen the grocer improve its pay offer in exchange for cutting sickness payments
In February, an overwhelming majority of Asda’s staff voted to reject base rate increases to warehouse and clerical staff ranging from 4.98% to 6.10%, and 6.49% to 7.53% for transport staff.
The grocer returned to the negotiating table with union GMB and offered to increase warehouse and clerical pay by up to 7.49% and transport workers’ remuneration by 8.31%
However, it planned to fund the increases by cutting sick pay, which it said would “align this with policies in place elsewhere in the retail sector”.
The changes would see workers lose the first three days of pay in any sickness-related absence and the last 13 to 26 weeks of sick pay, according to GMB.
READ MORE: Asda chairman slams government for “tin-eared” response to cost-of-living crisis
It is understood the union rejected the demands without putting it through to a formal vote with Asda workers, according to The Grocer.
Asda Logistics Services VP Jon Parry said: “We are disappointed the GMB will not put this enhanced offer to members or give them the opportunity to vote on them in a ballot.
“We expect them to honour the national recognition agreement, signed by both parties in 2012, as this provides an agreed framework to resolve outstanding matters, such as through the conciliation service ACAS if required.”
The ballot vote is not legally binding but will gauge support for a strike before the launch of a formal strike ballot.The vote ends on 4 May, at which point GMB will decide on next steps.
GMB national officer Nadine Houghton said: “These workers kept the nation fed during the pandemic when, in 2020, Asda’s executives awarded themselves a 38.8% pay increase.
“It’s sad that Asda now want to use the cost-of-living crisis to try to pressure these key workers into self-funding their own pay increase via cuts to their sick pay.
“With inflation soaring above 8% and the UK facing the worst drop in living standards in 50 years, it’s time these workers get a proper pay rise to help them make ends meet.”
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