Asda faces new Wisbech store strike amid bullying claims

29th January 2024

Asda employees at its Wisbech branch are due to vote in a ballot amid claims by the GMB union of workers facing a cut in hours and “management bullying”.

The upcoming vote, which is set to involve over 150 GMB union members from Asda Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, aims to address concerns ranging from inadequate training and support and a longstanding equal pay dispute to allegations of neglect of health and fire safety issues.

The development follows 46 GMB members at the grocery chain’s Gosport superstore in Hampshire voting in favour of industrial action. However, the strike was suspended last week due to ongoing last-minute discussions. A new ballot is set to take place on proposals put forward by Asda.

GMB Regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “Asda has lost its leadership, its direction and no longer values its colleagues. The current state of the company is dire.

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“Workers suffer slashed hours, a non-existent training programme, bullying management, a total disregard and lack of understanding for H&S and Fire Safety, and near to no negotiation with GMB.”

Dixon added: “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.”

Should workers support industrial action in the consultative ballot, which closes on 9 February, a full strike ballot will launch shortly after.

An Asda spokesperson 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.”

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