Strike at Asda Gosport store pushed back to allow ‘last-ditch’ talks

Trade union GMB said the first three days of the historic first strike at a UK Asda superstore have been suspended in order for talks to take place between the employer and the union.

Last month, members of the trade union at Asda’s Gosport superstore have voted for industrial action, set to commence on 12 January and run until 26 January.

The strike will now be commencing on 15 January, with additional dates having been scheduled for 29 January to 11 February. The walkout will be the first at any Asda supermarket in the UK.

The dispute centres around the members’ treatment at the hands of management, which includes wage errors and health and safety concerns.

The union said it is hoping for the talks at Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to address the issues in store, which its members are describing as creating a ‘toxic atmosphere.’

Meanwhile, Asda has signed a new recognition agreement with retail trade union Usdaw for staff working in former EG Group convenience stores and restaurants.