Asda is facing double strike threats from its home delivery and HGV drivers due to pay disputes amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The strikes put significant pressure on the big 4 grocer as the industrial action could lead to Christmas food and drink shortages, limiting potential sales at a time when retailers are trying to keep costs down.
Retail trade union The GMB revealed it was set to ballot colleagues working as home delivery drivers after learning of management plans at Asda to cut drivers’ pay.
The plan includes removing a pay supplement which it said would see wages cut by £1.50 per hour.
The GMB said it was unhappy drivers were paid £13.50 an hour and were often required to work up to 15 hours a day. The workers will be balloted between 18 October and 21 November.
“This is a shocking and worrying announcement by Asda,” GMB regional organiser Declan MacIntyre said.
“Our members are horrified and frightened about how they will pay their bills on their basic earnings,” he said.
Asda is also facing the threat of strike action by more than 80 HGV drivers based at Wincanton’s depot in Rochdale.
If agreed, the strikes will see stoppages begin in the first week of December, which the union said would lead to Christmas shortages.
“Both Wincanton and Asda are hugely wealthy companies,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said.
“They absolutely should not be asking our members to take a pay cut, so unless they change their approach and table a better offer, they will face strike action in the run-up to Christmas.”
An Asda spokesman said: “We have an extensive network of Asda delivery driver colleagues who serve our stores nationwide. Wincanton is a regional third-party logistics supplier, and these discussions are between their drivers and Unite the Union. We encourage both parties to reach an agreement on driver pay.”
A Wincanton spokesperson said: “We value the vital work our colleagues carry out every day and the offer we have put forward is fair and competitive. We remain committed to finding a resolution that satisfies all parties.”
