The strike at an Asda superstore in Gosport have been suspended to allow for ‘last-ditch’ talks between the supermarket and GMB Union.
Industrial action at the Gosport store will now take place on 15 January, with up to 100 workers expected to walk out.
Additional dates have also been scheduled for Monday 29 January to Sunday 11 February.
The union said the talks with Asda hope to address issues in stores, as GMB claims members describe it as a “toxic atmosphere”.
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Last month, GMB sent the supermarket giant a document detailing 21 issues in the Gosport store, including claims that fire safety exits had been blocked by rubbish and stock, and that accidents and workplace incidents were “not taken seriously”.
GMB regional organiser Nicola Nixon said: “We are pleased that Asda management are taking our members’ views seriously, but saddened that it took the very real threat of industrial action to bring them to the table for serious talks.
“Our members are very clear that they will not hesitate to come out on strike on 15 January and into February unless they receive definite commitments that this toxic atmosphere will be brought to an end.
“While it is ultimately the members who will decide if they are satisfied and they who will decide when the dispute ends, Asda need to come to these last-ditch talks with the sole aim of resolving the issues at hand.”
This comes as Asda and Usdaw signed a deal earlier this week for the union to represent hourly-paid workers in the convenience stores and Leon restaurants that the grocer bought from EG Group in October.
The agreement will allow Usdaw to negotiate on holidays, hours and pay.
