The GMB union has begun balloting Asda distribution workers over a new pay deal that the retailer hopes will avoid a damaging strike at its depots.
Nearly 8,000 GMB members working in Asda warehouses will vote on whether to accept a revised pay offer from the supermarket.
After Asda previously “refused to make a meaningful pay offer” to its distribution workers, 94% of GMB members indicated they were prepared to take strike action.
The retailer then made an improved offer to workers. A ballot on whether to accept this offer closes on 14 February.
Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: “Asda’s distribution workers have put pressure on bosses to get an improved pay offer. It is now up to them if they are willing to accept it.
“If they turn this pay offer down, we will have no choice but to move to a formal strike ballot.”
At the end of last year, Tesco averted strike action by workers at its distribution centres by agreeing to increase their pay by 6%.
NAM Implications:
- Asda do not need a strike at their warehouses, now or anytime…
- …especially if any settlement becomes a pointer for other parts of the organisation.
- Given the inevitable uncertainties…
- …suppliers will probably examine their options and priorities…
- …in terms of overall availability on shelf.
