Asda staff vote for strike

Thousands of staff working in distribution depots for supermarket chain Asda have voted in favour of strike action by 3 to 1, the GMB union has announced.

GMB's Asda Wal-Mart Shop Stewards National Council and GMB local and national officials are now due to meet on Thursday in Manchester to consider the ballot result and set dates and times for a programme of industrial action.

The union members who were balloted work as HGV drivers and warehouse picker and loaders at 20 Asda distribution depots, including Bedford, Chepstow, Dartford, Didcot, Erith, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Ince George in Wigan, Lymedale Staffordshire, Lutterworth in Leicestershire, Portbury in Bristol, Skelmersdale, Teesport, ADC Wigan, Wakefield and Washington.

The workers want to see the establishment of proper national bargaining structures between the company and the GMB, covering pay, conditions and union facilities in all the depots.

Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary said: "GMB members in the 20 Asda Wal-Mart distribution depots have spoken. They have voted by three to one to take strike action despite all of the company's attempts to dissuade or intimidate them to vote no. GMB members have been subjected to unprecedented interference and propaganda by Asda Wal-Mart. This ballot result shows that it is time for Asda Wal-Mart to wake up and smell the coffee.

"GMB members tell us that the company is gearing up and may illegally attempt to use agency labour to do our members jobs. This is what is behind the company statement that in the event of industrial action the customers will not notice a thing.

"Using agency labour during an official trade dispute is illegal and GMB will not allow Asda Wal-Mart to run a coach and horses through UK labour law.

"Any attempt by outside agencies to interfere or undermine this lawful industrial action by GMB members will be responded to with full vigour."

(KMcA/SP)