Thousands of Asda distribution workers will today begin a vote to gauge their backing for industrial action, after unions rejected a deal to accept reduced sickness entitlements in exchange for an improved pay offer.
In February, an overwhelming majority voted to reject base rate increases to warehouse and clerical staff ranging from 4.98% to 6.10% and 6.49% to 7.53% for transport staff.
Last week Asda went back to the union with two offers on the table, of up to 7.49% for warehouse and clerical staff and up to 8.31% for transport workers.
However, the supermarket giant, owned by the billionaire Issa brothers, said to fund the improved offer staff would have to accept changes to its sickness policy to “align this with policies in place elsewhere in the retail sector”.
It is understood the union rejected the demands without formally putting it to workers.
The GMB today said the launch of a consultative ballot was a response to Asda trying to force through a pay deal which will see workers lose the first three days of pay in any sickness absence and the last 13 to 26 weeks of sick pay.
The ballot of nearly 8,000 GMB members working in driver, warehouse and clerical roles is not legally binding but will act as a temperature check before a possible formal strike ballot.
The vote ends on 4 May, after which the union will decide on next steps.
“These workers kept the nation fed during the pandemic when, in 2020, Asda’s executives awarded themselves a 38.8% pay increase,” said Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer.
“It’s sad that Asda now want to use the cost of living crisis to try to pressure these key workers into self-funding their own pay increase via cuts to their sick pay.
“With inflation soaring above 8% and the UK facing the worst drop in living standards in 50 years, it’s time these workers get a proper pay rise to help them make ends meet.”
Jon Parry, VP of Asda Logistics Services, said: “We have made two improved pay offers to the GMB that recognise rising inflation and would see clerical and warehouse salaries increase by up to 7.49%, and transport salaries by up to 8.91% if accepted.
“We are disappointed the GMB will not put this enhanced offer to members or give them the opportunity to vote on them in a ballot. We expect them to honour the national recognition agreement, signed by both parties in 2012, as this provides an agreed framework to resolve outstanding matters, such as through the conciliation service ACAS if required.”
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