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An Asda strike has “moved closer” after thousands of distribution staff turned down a pay deal, according to the GMB.
The supermarket, which has been negotiating with the GMB, the recognised trade union for ALS, made the following offer to colleagues last month. It should be noted this offer was “neither recommended, nor rejected” by the GMB:
An increase of 4.98% to 6.10% for warehouse and clerical colleagues and an increase of 6.49% to 7.53% for transport colleagues. The specific increase depends on “location, role and grade.”
Yet almost 70% of the 8,000 GMB members polled “turned down” the pay offer and nearly 80% of the warehouse, clerical workers and LGV drivers said they were ready to take industrial action over pay.
Asda said the National Recognition Agreement, signed by itself and the GMB in 2012, sets out a “clear framework for conciliation and arbitration” to avoid industrial action. As part of the Dispute Resolution Procedure contained in this agreement, the next steps include further meetings between Asda and the GMB and at ACAS to try and resolve outstanding matters.
Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: “The UK is facing the worst cost of living crisis for a generation. Inflation is rampant and energy prices are out of control. Yet Asda workers are being taken for mugs with below inflation pay offers that basically means a real terms pay cut.”
“They’re not going to take it lying down – it’s now up to Asda bosses to come back with a reasonable offer and avert the threat of industrial action.”
Jon Parry, vice president, Asda logistics services, added: “We value the key role our colleagues play to keep our stores well stocked and we have negotiated in good faith with the GMB to make a fair, competitive and sustainable pay offer that recognises rising inflation.
“We are disappointed this has been rejected and we expect the GMB to honour the National Recognition Agreement, signed by both parties in 2012, as this provides an agreed framework to resolve outstanding matters.”
