Asda staff at a depot in Washington, near Sunderland, are set to go on strike over a pay dispute.
Members of the GMB union voted by 74 per cent to take strike action over three days, from July 27-29, after rejecting a pay deal.
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.
“My advice to the company is to get back to the negotiation table and sort out a deal with the members.”
However, an Asda spokesman said the action was a surprise to them: “The GMB has not come back to us with any alternative to the decision. We’re happy to discuss concerns face-to-face and see no need for this action.
“Back on June 21, after discussion with ACAS and the GMB, our offer was accepted and fully recommended by the union.
“We’re disappointed, but we’ve already put contingency plans into place so customers won’t notice a thing.”
Asda said the pay offer, of 7.75 per cent over two years, back dated to January, was strong: “We believe the deal was a great one - well above inflation and any other deal locally.”
While the GMB members make up more than a third of the workforce, the spokesman said Asda will still provide work for staff who do not want to participate in the industrial action.
