Stores across the UK could be affected after thousands of Asda workers voted against a pay offer with many prepared to strike.
A majority of the 8,000 GMB union members within Asda's distribution network, have recently voted to reject pay rises between 5 per cent and 7.5 per cent.
Nearly 70 per cent of the warehouse staff, lorry drivers and clerical staff in GMB rejected the rise. There are around 12,000 workers in total in the entirety of Asda's distribution network.
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The pay rise is compared to inflation of 7.8 per cent, according to the retail prices index measure. The Consumer Prices Index expects inflation to rise to nearly 8 per cent in April from 5.5 per cent in January.
When balloted, about 80 per cent of the Asda worked GMB members affected said they were prepared to take action - which could lead to strikes affecting Asda's 23 supply and distribution hubs, the Mirror reports.
In April, the legal minimum wage is set to go up by 6.6 per cent.
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Nadine Houghton, a national officer for the GMB, said Asda workers are "being taken for mugs" with a pay offer below inflation "that basically means a real-terms pay cut".
She added that it was now up to the bosses at Asda to make a better offer to "avert the threat of industrial action".
Before the potential strike action, there would be a meeting between GMB, Asda, and conciliation service Acas.
Some Asda workers have previously said they can't afford to shop at the store and are using food banks to feed themselves - a survey by GMB union found many are very concerned about their finances.
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Many said their mental health was affected, they didn't feel valued, and some even said they couldn't afford to travel to work.
Billionaire brothers Zuber and Moshin Issa bought Asda in 2020 for £6.8bn, and its profits in the same year were £368m.
Asda staff have previously been told wages would go up to £9.66 an hour from April - though this is still below any other supermarket chain but Tesco.
Jon Parry, the vice-president of Asda Logistics Services, said: “We value the key role our colleagues play to keep our stores well-stocked, and we have negotiated in good faith with the GMB to make a fair, competitive and sustainable pay offer that recognises rising inflation. We are disappointed this has been rejected.”
Are you an Asda worker affected by this situation? Get in touch at jasmine.norden@reachplc.com
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