London Asda staff could strike as store is 'falling apart'

A union says staff at a London Asda store could walk out over workplace complaints.

The GMB Union says members will vote on strike action at the branch of the supermarket chain in Wealdstone, Harrow. The ballot will take part in the vote between April 26 and May 17.

The union says “dozens of GMB members”, representing almost 70% of the workforce, although Asda disputes this, claiming union members represent about half the store’s staff - 26 people.

According to the union, complaints include “cuts in hours; poor quality training; bullying management; health and safety issues not being addressed; fire safety breaches rampant; equal pay not resolved in a timely manner; no collective bargaining with GMB”.

An Asda spokesperson said the company has not had any grievances raised in relation to the issues referenced.

Keith Dixon, GMB regional organiser, said: “Asda Wealdstone – along with stores across the UK – is falling apart. Bosses are stripping the supermarket to the bones and workers are paying the inevitable price.

"There are thousands of health and safety breaches, including blocked fire exits, fire routes, and fire extinguishers, along with faulty fire alarm systems.

"Meanwhile an estimated eight million worker hours have been cut across Asda stores, so things are only going to get worse. Enough is enough – Asda workers in Wealdstone are making their voices heard.”

An Asda spokesman said: “We have established processes in place for colleagues to raise any issues or concerns they may have and we have not received any formal complaints at the Wealdstone store relating to the claims made by the GMB. Providing a safe working environment is of paramount importance to us and if colleagues have any safety-related concerns we would ask these are brought to the attention of a manager immediately so they can be investigated and promptly resolved.”

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Wealdstone is the fifth Asda store to become embroiled in industrial action after workers in Gosport and Wisbech walked out in recent weeks and staff at Brighton Holingbury and Lowestoft voted to strike.

Asda has been approached for comment.