The GMB union has issued a threat to Asda, saying that that it would be prepared to call for a consumer boycott of Asda stores if industrial relations are not improved.
However, an Asda spokesman said the retailer was baffled by the allegations, insisting that relations with the union are good.
Paul Kenny, acting leader of the GMB, is reported to have claimed that Asda is attempting to weaken the position of the union and bring to an end its involvement in negotiations over members’ pay and conditions.
The union claimed staff at 21 Asda depots have already been balloted, although Asda refuted this fact, saying it was unaware of any ballots having taken place.
Kenny has also penned a letter to the TUC umbrella union group, accusing Asda of encouraging employees to give up union membership in exchange for higher salaries, although Asda has denied any accusations that it is anti-union.
A spokesman for the retailer said: “It seems the GMB can't get through a day without shouting a little bit louder. But despite this, the quiet facts haven't changed: We're not an "anti-union" company. We've had a mixture of partnership and collective bargaining agreements for years and have worked closely with the GMB since the mid 1960s.
We're also now working with USDAW where we have a collective bargaining agreement in place covering our stores in Northern Ireland. At Asda anyone is free to join a union if they want - the majority seem to feel there's no need.
“Our position on unions is being misrepresented, for the GMB's own political ends. Calling for a boycott of Asda stores, shows sadly, just how political this has become - that's no help to the 150,000 colleagues who work for us - GMB, USDAW and non-union members alike.”
The GMB has 25,000 members among Asda's 150,000 UK workforce.
