Wisbech Asda workers balloted over cuts to hours and alleged bullying
Wisbech Asda workers are to vote in a ballot over cuts in hours and alleged management bullying which could lead to industrial action.
More than 150 GMB members at ASDA Wisbech asked for a vote to address these issues, along with poor training and support, their equal pay claim dragging on for years, and health, safety, and fire safety issues being ignored says the union.
The consultative ballot opened today (Friday) and closes on Friday, February 9. If workers indicate they are ready for industrial action, a full strike ballot will launch shortly after.
Keith Dixon, GMB regional organiser said: “ASDA has lost its leadership, its direction and no longer values its colleagues. The current state of the company is dire.
"Workers suffer slashed hours, a non-existent training programme, bullying management, a total disregard and lack of understanding for health and safety and Fire Safety, and near to no negotiation with GMB.
“Most companies would be concerned when up to 4,000 separate fire safety and health and safety breaches were reported - Asda seems to be in denial.
“Blocked fire exits, blocked fire routes, blocked fire extinguishers, and faulty fire alarm systems are routinely seen in ASDA Stores.
“GMB members at Wisbech are fed up and demand action. GMB will make sure their voice is heard or ASDA Wisbech could be facing a full strike vote.”
A spokesperson for Asda 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 Wisbech 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 these are brought to the attention of a manager immediately so they can be investigated and promptly resolved.”
The union claims more than 100 GMB members at Asda’s Gosport superstore voted for industrial action last month – the first-ever vote of its kind.
But the strike was suspended thanks to last-ditch talks, which are still ongoing.
