Thousands of Asda workers vote in favour of strikes

Keyworkers should not be forced into self-funding their own pay rise via cuts to their sick pay, says GMB Union. Thousands of Asda workers have indicated they are ready to take strike action in a consultative vote. 

GMB balloted their 8,000 GMB members working in driver, warehouse and clerical roles – 95 per cent of those who voted said they were will to take industrial action over a real terms pay cut  Asda is trying to force through a pay deal which would see workers lose sick pay entitlement – including the first three days of paid sick pay in any sickness absence and the last 13 to 26 weeks of sick pay. The sick pay scheme was introduced in 2012 when Asda distribution workers where at increased risk of workplace stress and musco-skeletal issues due to higher pick rates.  

GMB will now meet with members to discuss next steps. 

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: “This ballot result show how angry Asda workers are.  “They’re being asked to swallow a real terms pay cut while Asda’s top brass give themselves a hefty pay rise.  “There’s no way these keyworkers should be forced into self-funding their own pay rise via cuts to their sick pay.  “We will now meet with members to discuss next steps.”