Asda workers at its Lowestoft store have confirmed strike dates for next month.
Workers at the supermarket are set to take industrial action for 48 hours on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May over what GMB called “a litany of work place problems”.
The union claimed the strikes come as workers are angered by issues including cuts in hours, poor quality training, and bullying management.
Lowestoft will become just the third Asda to face a strike, after workers in Gosport and Wisbech walked out in recent weeks.
Workers at Brighton Hollingbury also voted to strike last month, while GMB confirmed today that members at the grocer’s Wealdstone store will take part in a vote between 26 April and 17 May.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
GMB regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “GMB members used to be proud to work for Asda, but this once great supermarket is being driven into the ground.
“Standards across stores are falling – there are thousands of health and safety breaches, including blocked fire exits, fire routes, and fire extinguishers, along with faulty fire alarm systems.
“Meanwhile an estimated eight million worker hours have been cut across Asda stores, so things are only going to get worse. Asda workers have had enough and are flexing their industrial muscle to make bosses do something about it.”
In response, an Asda spokesperson said: “While we are disappointed that the GMB has taken this course of action, we can reassure customers that we have processes in place to minimise any disruption as a result of industrial action by the GMB at our Lowestoft store.
“We have taken practical steps in Lowestoft to address the points raised by the GMB and will continue to engage with their representatives with the aim of reaching an amicable solution for all parties.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
