Asda’s distribution network is facing major disruption after union leaders have warned of an impending strike.
The GMB general union is to hold a vote on industrial action which would affect all 19 of Asda’s distribution depots following unresolved disputes at its Dartford depot.
Bosses at the Kent site are threatening to tear up a union negotiating agreement next week if the GMB fails to agree to a more “modern” arrangement.
The GMB officers involved are to seek approval for the strike ballot from union officials on Monday and unless the company withdraws its plea, the vote is expected to proceed.
This is the second bout of unrest evoked among Asda’s distribution workers only this month.
The supermarket chain was recently forced to pay £850,000 to staff at its Washington depot for illegally bribing offering them a financial incentive to surrender their union rights.
Jude Brimble, GMB national officer responsible for Asda staff said management was guilty of various controversial initiatives.
“They’ve now gone too far by issuing the unilateral threat to end the agreement at Dartford,” she said.
Brimble claimed the current agreement contained unlawful elements that needed to be updated to satisfy new legislation.
