Asda has denied the GMB union’s numerous claims of an unsafe working environment, allegedly prompting another Asda supermarket to vote on industrial action.
The union announced that Asda Lowestoft workers will vote on strike action following a consultative ballot, with the new ballot opening on March 5 and closing on March 26.
GMB said workers are “angry” over issues including: cuts in hours, poor quality of training, bullying and unprofessional management, health and safety issues not being addressed, fire safety breaches rampant throughout the store, lack of collective union bargaining and failure to resolve the equal pay case.
Similar issues have been raised at other stores, including Gosport – the first-ever Asda store to see some staff walk out.
Members at Wisbech, Hampshire and Brighton’s Hollingbury and Marina stores are also undergoing a vote on strike action, with ballots closing on March 5.
GMB Regional Organiser Keith Dixon said that Asda “is in a mess” and it’s “no wonder” why staff are angry.
Dixon said: “Head office failures are being felt by workers; their hours are being cut, the training is poor and health and safety is virtually non-existent, with thousands of breaches at stores across the UK.
“Asda Lowestoft workers will now have the chance to send a message to Asda bosses: buck up your ideas or we will walk out.”
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 Lowestoft 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 that these are brought to the attention of a manager immediately, so they can be investigated and promptly resolved.”
No comments yet