Asda Wisbech workers announce fresh strike
Workers at Asda’s Wisbech store have announced a new strike over claims of a “litany of issues”.
From 3am to 10pm on Friday 2 August 2024, workers are expected to walk out of the store as GMB Union claims that staff are angry over “cuts” in hours, “poor quality” training, “bullying” management, health and safety issued “not being addressed”, and equal pay “not resolved in a timely manner”.
It marks the second time that workers at the Wisbech store have walked out this year, having previously gone on strike over the Easter weekend.
The union added that despite meeting with senior management since the previous strike in March, staff have “no confidence any of the issues are being properly addressed”.
However, Asda has said said that direct feedback from the local GMB representatives in the Wisbech store found that they are “pleased” with the steps taken to address any issues raised.
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GMB regional organiser Keith Dixon said: “Asda Wisbech bosses are fully aware of why workers are angry.
“But despite several meetings with senior directors, the company seems to be completely missing the point. Not one dispute point has been addressed by Asda, while suggestions put forward by GMB have been ignored.”
Asda rejects this claim and has said that it addressed and responded to each of the points raised by GMB.
Dixon added: “Management seems happy to ignore problems, cover them up or brush them under the carpet. As a result, Asda Wisbech are returning to the picket line.”
However, Asda has also rejected the claim that ‘management’ is ignoring the problems raised by GMB in relation to the Wisbech store and said that it has addressed and responded to each of the points raised.
An Asda spokesperson said: “We have taken reasonable and practical steps in Wisbech to address the points previously raised by the GMB and this has been welcomed by our colleagues at the store, most of whom are members of the union. Given this progress, we are disappointed the GMB has chosen a course of action that has the potential to disrupt the local community and hurt colleagues financially.
“We have offered to meet their representatives at ACAS to try and reach an amicable solution for all parties. In the meantime, we have robust contingency plans in place and can reassure customers the store will be open as normal should this industrial action go ahead.”
It comes as the latest in a series of industrial action at the supermarket giant over the past year at stores including Gosport, Lowestoft and Brighton Hollingbury.
1 Comment. Leave new
These guys need to drop it and leave if they don’t like it.
Half these claims seem superious at best. I’m sure they don’t cut hours below the weekly contract so it is what it is, that’s business.