Asda is set to face a second strike after GMB members at its Wisbech store voted to strike over claims of reduced hours and a rise in “bullying management” culture.
According to the trade union, the ballot, which saw more than 97% voting to walk out with a turnout of 87%, was also sparked over claims that workers are unhappy over what it describes as “poor” levels of training and support for their job roles, as well as health and safety issues being “ignored”.
The strike dates are set to be announced in the coming days but in response to the union, an Asda spokesperson said: “We have repeatedly asked them [GMB] to evidence the claims they have made about our store management, however, we are still waiting for this information.”
To try and address the concerns raised by the union, it said that it has already undertaken a full health & safety review of the Wisbech store, as well as a live action plan to address the points raised.
It added that it was introducing additional daily health & safety checks, and re-briefing all workers on health and safety standards.
The supermarket claimed these were in addition to weekly and monthly meetings its store management had with GMB representatives to discuss health & safety matters.
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A spokesperson for the grocer said: “We value colleague feedback and are committed to resolving any concerns raised. 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.
They continued: “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. While any potential disruption to colleagues and customers is unwelcome, we have comprehensive plans in place to minimise any disruption in the event of industrial action.”
Wisbech will become the second Asda store to face strike action in recent weeks, after 24 GMB members walked out of its Gosport store last month.
GMB regional organiser Keith Dixon 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 and fire safety and almost no negotiation with GMB.”
He continued: “These problems stem from the top; money is being stripped out of the business and workers in stores are feeling the pain. Asda workers in Wisbech aren’t going to take it anymore.”
Amid GMB’s fresh claims, Asda pointed out that previous strikes in its Brighton Hollingbury and Brighton Marina stores did not go ahead, despite three strike votes taking place.
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