Asda workers at its Wisbech store are due to vote in a ballot as the GMB claims employees have faced a cut in hours and “management bullying”.
Concerns about poor training and support, a years-long equal pay claim, and health and fire safety issues being ignored will be addressed in the vote, which is expected to include more than 150 GMB union members from Asda Wisbech in Cambridgeshire.
It follows in the wake of 46 GMB members at the grocer’s Gosport superstore in Hampshire voting for industrial action, although the strike was postponed following talks last week, with members set to be balloted on proposals put forward by Asda.
GMB Regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “Asda has lost its leadership, it’s direction and no longer values its colleagues. The current state of the company is dire.”
“Workers suffer slashed hours, a non-existent training programme, bullying management, a total disregard and lack of understanding for H&S and Fire Safety, and near to no negotiation with GMB.”
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Dixon added: “Most companies would be concerned when up to 4,000 separate fire safety and health and safety breaches were reported – Asda seems to be in denial”.
“Blocked fire exits, blocked fire routes, blocked fire extinguishers and faulty fire alarm systems are routinely seen in Asda stores.”
“GMB members at Wisbech are fed up and demand action. GMB will make sure their voice is heard or Asda Wisbech could be facing a full strike vote.”
If workers support industrial action in the consultative ballot, which opens today and closes on 9 February, a full strike ballot will launch shortly after.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We have established processes in place for colleagues to raise any issues or concerns they may have and we have not received any formal complaints at the Wisbech store relating to the claims made by the GMB.
“Providing a safe working environment is of paramount importance to us and if colleagues have any safety-related concerns we would ask these are brought to the attention of a manager immediately so they can be investigated and promptly resolved.”
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