JJB Sports chiefs are expected to meet GMB union bosses today in a showdown over recognition at the retailer’s Wigan distribution depot.

The union, which has 120 members at the centre, has been told that JJB wants to derecognise it The Sun reported. GMB members may refuse to work overtime in protest.

GMB sources claimed that JJB Sports wants the union out in order to make the retailer more attractive to potential bidders.

There has been speculation that Dave Whelan, who originally founded JJB and once labelled the GMB “communists”, may be pondering a bid.

However a JJB spokesman insisted its action was driven by “frustration”. He said: “The GMB hasn’t been able to appoint a shop steward for nine months.”

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