Trade union GMB is set to ballot its members working as Asda home delivery drivers as a result of the Big 4 grocer‘s upcoming plans to scrap the current £1.50-an-hour premium.
Affecting 1,500 of Asda’s delivery drivers, the trialled premium had been promised until Christmas, however this is now set to end on 21 October.
In response, GMB has planned a ballot opening tomorrow (14 October), which is set to close in four weeks. It has said that if the dispute continues this could result in strike action during the run up to Christmas, which it anticipates will severely affect the home delivery service.
“This is a shocking and worrying announcement by Asda. Our members are horrified and frightened about how they will pay their bills on their basic earnings,” GMB regional organiser, Declan MacIntyre said.
“On the same day that Asda has announced these pay cuts, Tesco has announced an increase in pay for their staff.
“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 ballow.”
Speaking of the trial’s premature ending, a spokesperson for Asda said this was due to it “not delivered the desired results”, adding “we have spoken to all colleagues impacted by this change.”
