Asda workers to stage 48-hour strike over claims of 'toxic' working environment

08 February 2024 , 08:15

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Asda workers at one of their stores are set to walk out this weekend (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Asda workers are set to strike for 48 hours due to claims of a "toxic" working environment at one of their stores.

The GMB union members at the Gosport, Hampshire store will walk out from Friday until Saturday midnight. The union stated that its members had turned down an offer from the company aimed at resolving the dispute.

Nicola Nixon, a regional officer, said: "Counter-proposals have been made to the company to settle the dispute but Asda has failed to come back with any improvements. Our members should be able to come to work without the threat of bullying or putting their health, safety and wellbeing at risk."

An Asda spokesperson explained that 46 of the store’s 225 colleagues voted for industrial action. Therefore the store expects there will be minimal disruption to customers. The spokesperson said: "We are disappointed the GMB have taken this course of action and can reassure our customers that the Gosport store will open as usual this weekend.

"The majority of colleagues in store are not affiliated with the GMB and will continue to work as normal during this period. Over the course of several weeks, we have taken reasonable and practical action to address the GMB’s concerns. This includes undertaking a full health & safety review at the store and providing additional training for colleagues where required.

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"We have also asked the GMB on multiple occasions to share details of the alleged bullying in store so these claims can be investigated. We are still waiting to receive this information.”

Lawrence Matheson