Asda faces lorry driver strikes over Christmas as food shortage risk looms

Around 80 lorry drivers at Asda’s Rochdale, Greater Manchester, operations hub are reportedly gearing up to take industrial action over the Christmas period as a result of a pay dispute, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper said Asda is planning to use its own drivers during strikes to “limit disruption”, rather than drivers employed by supply chain firm Wincanton.

The drivers argue they are being paid £1.24 an hour less than equivalent workers at Asda’s Lutterworth, Leicestershire, facility, where staff are directly employed by Asda.

According to the newspaper, workers also claim to receive lower rates for overtime shifts as well as additional night, weekend and bank holiday shifts.

Chiefs at trade union Unite said the strike action, expected to take place across December and January, “could lead to shortages of chilled foods on Asda’s shelves”.

Unite regional officer Paul Lomax told The Daily Telegraph: “Asda shoppers will be disappointed that shelves could run bare during the festive period, but this is entirely the fault of Wincanton and Asda for denying our members pay parity.

“Strike action can only be avoided if Wincanton makes a vastly improved offer; the ball is now firmly in its court.”

An Asda spoksperson said: “These negotiations are between Wincanton and Unite, and we would encourage them to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

“We employ a large number of Asda delivery-driver colleagues who deliver to our stores every day and we are confident that customers will be able to get everything they need in store to enjoy a wonderful Christmas.”

A spokesperson for Wincanton confirmed it is having “constructive talks” with both Asda and Unite to “find a solution which is satisfactory for all parties” in Rochdale.