GMB union warns of possible strike action at Asda Trowbridge

‘Penny-pinching’ in-store could lead to strike action if management don’t take action

Members of GMB, the union for Asda, are warning management at the Trowbridge store that they are prepared to take strike action unless conditions improve.

In June 2024, a majority of staff in the store submitted a grievance about poor management at the store, and inadequate staffing levels.

GMB then carried out a consultative ballot, which showed that members were in favour of taking action if matters do not improve.

Complaints made by members include the music being played over the PA system “like being stuck in the lift at an undertakers” and more generally that morale at the store is very low.

“GMB members have voted to show they are not satisfied with the response of management to the grievance, and in the recent ballot 100 per cent voted that if necessary they would be prepared to take strike action,” said Gary Palmer, GMB Regional Organiser.

“They are however holding back on the decision for now, to allow management some more time to solve the problems.

“Our members acknowledge the managers who heard the grievance gave it a fair hearing and tried to address the problems, but many of the issues are the result of head office decisions and cannot be solved locally.

Among the complaints raised to GMB are that the store desperately needs to employ more cleaners and more check-out staff. The popular pizza counter is often simply not open because of staff shortages, which disappoints customers and there aren't enough security guards, which is actually costing ASDA money through shoplifting losses. The music in-store also changed from “cheerful” to “awful, miserable dirges”, presumably generic library music to save money on royalties.

“These penny-pinching measures are disappointing customers, affecting staff morale and sometimes even costing Asda money.”