Asda staff have gone on strike in Wearside in a dispute over pay.
The three-day action affects 500 members of the GMB union working at the retailer’s distribution centre in Washington.
The GMB said the strike would impact Asda stores across the north of England, but a spokesman for the retailer claimed customers would not notice a thing.
The strike was called after union members were balloted and voted to reject a pay offer.
Mark Wilson, GMB organiser, said: "GMB members have clearly demonstrated that they are not satisfied with what the company has offered by the level of the vote for strike action.”
The union is urging Asda to come to the negotiation table and sort out a deal with staff.
It said its members had been offered a 10 per cent pay rise, but only if they gave up the right to collective bargaining, which they refused.
An Asda spokesman said the company had been in touch with the union by letter and was happy to work with them and with arbitration.
The spokesman said: ""We believe the deal was a great one - well above inflation and any other deal locally.
"We have an open door policy and any staff members who want to discuss the situation face to face are welcome."
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