Asda is facing a third round of strikes as workers at its Lowestoft superstore have voted to take industrial action over claims of “a litany of issues”.
GMB Union said workers are angry over claims of issues such as cuts in hours, “poor quality” training, “bullying management”, health and safety issues “not being addressed”, fire safety breaches “rampant”, and equal pay “not being resolved in a timely manner.”
It added that strike dates will be announced in the coming days.
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GMB regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “Asda’s owners are not investing in stores and workers are paying the price. The evidence is clear; thousands of health and safety breaches, including blocked fire exits, fire routes, and fire extinguishers, along with faulty fire alarm systems.
“At the same time workers face cuts to their hours and inadequate training. They’ve had enough and are walking out to make sure Asda listens.”
“GMB is behind every one of our members within Asda Lowestoft in making sure their voices are heard and they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
An Asda spokesperson said: “We value feedback from our colleagues and have worked collaboratively with the GMB representatives in Lowestoft to address the points raised. While we are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot, we will continue to engage with GMB representatives to try and reach an amicable solution.
“It is important to note that fewer than 50% of colleagues at the Lowestoft store have said they would support industrial action, and we can reassure colleagues and customers that we have comprehensive plans in place to minimise disruption in the event of industrial action at the store.”
It marks the third Asda store that has voted to take strike action this year after staff in Gosport walked out last month and staff in Wisbech prepare to take industrial action over Easter weekend.
