The GMB union is balloting its members working as home delivery drivers for Asda after learning of plans to cut their pay.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Asda was reducing 1,500 grocery delivery drivers’ hourly pay by more than 12%. This is due to the supermarket chain ending a £1.50-an-hour premium introduced in the summer to help attract and retain drivers amid labour shortages.
The premium to drivers’ £10.10 an hour rate, which began in July, had been promised until at least Christmas, but is being withdrawn on 21 October. Asda stated that it had introduced the higher rate in particular areas because it was experiencing “higher levels of job market challenge than average”. A spokesperson for the retailer said it had introduced the extra payments as a trial and was ending them as “it has not delivered the desired results”.
The GMB’s ballot opens today and will close in 4 weeks’ time. If the dispute continues, it could result in strike action in the run-up to the all-important Christmas trading period.
The union noted that any strike would severely affect the home delivery service, which makes over one million home deliveries a week.
“This is a shocking and worrying announcement by Asda,” said Declan MacIntyre, GMB Regional Organiser.
“Our members are horrified and frightened about how they will pay their bills on their basic earnings.”
He added: “If Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng can keep making U-turns, hopefully Asda can do the same. If they refuse to do so, I have no doubt that our members will be voting in favour of strike action in the upcoming ballot.”
NAM Implications:
- Surprised?
- Note reductions in pay…
- Asda has more to fear from drivers getting even, vs getting mad…
