Asda workers at a Gosport store will begin historic industrial action when they walk out for 48 hours on Thursday night.
More than 100 GMB members at the south coast superstore will strike from 00.01 Friday 9 February until 23.59 Saturday 10 February in anger at a working environment they describe as ‘toxic’.
Having voted to take action in December 2023, members of GMB, the union for Asda, agreed to suspend their action in order for talks to take place and eventually in order to be balloted on a management offer.
The members at Asda’s Gosport Superstore rejected the company’s offer and voted a second time to take strike action.
Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser said, “GMB members voted to stand up to their employer in December and they’ve done it again in January and February.
“Counter proposals have been made to the company to settle the dispute, but Asda has failed to come back with any improvements.
“We originally gave Asda until Tuesday as a show of goodwill, but no improved offer materialised and so our strike will now go ahead.
“Our members are determined to stand up to Asda and their management and say enough is enough.
“They should be able to come to work without threat of bullying or putting their health, safety and well-being at risk.”
An Asda spokesperson said, “We have met the GMB on several occasions recently, including mediation at Acas, to try and agree a fair solution for all colleagues in Gosport.
“The proposals we put forward include the appointment of an independent third-party organisation to establish the facts regarding GMB’s complaints and report back jointly to both parties.
“Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected by the GMB membership. As most Gosport colleagues are not members of the GMB and will continue to work as normal during this period, we are confident there will be minimal disruption to our operations”
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