Workers at Brighton Asda set to strike
The GMB Union have heard complaints about safety
Members of the GMB union at the Brighton Hollingbury Asda store have made the decision to take industrial action.
The ballot, which closed on Friday (12 April,) saw a majority in favour of striking at the Brighton Hollingbury superstore. This decision comes amidst growing concerns raised by workers regarding issues such as Health & Safety and management bullying.
Declan MacIntyre, GMB Regional Organiser, emphasized the significance of this action, stating, "This is about Asda workers demanding to be heard – it is the GMB members themselves deciding that enough is enough and standing up to take action."
This marks a continuation of a trend within Asda, with previous strike actions occurring in Gosport, Hampshire, and Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The Asda strike committee is set to convene early next week to determine the next steps in this ongoing dispute.
Amidst these developments, concerns have been raised regarding the ownership structure of Asda, particularly its association with TDR Capital. There are apprehensions that the attention of the company's stakeholders might be diverted away from the concerns of its workers.
An Asda spokesperson said: "While we are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot at Brighton Hollingbury, where a minority of colleagues at the store have voted for industrial action, we will continue to engage with GMB representatives to try and reach an amicable solution."
It's worth noting that out of a total colleague base of 350, only 64 participated in the ballot, with 50 of those voting in favor of industrial action. Asda stresses the importance of all colleagues feeling represented and encourages open communication to address any concerns promptly.
The company has implemented measures such as a comprehensive health and safety review of the store and providing additional training for colleagues where needed, aiming to address the issues raised by the workers.
The situation underscores the importance of dialogue between workers and management to foster a constructive work environment and ensure the well-being of all employees.