Thousands of ASDA workers vote on strike action as cost of living crisis deepens - says GMB Union

Thousands of Asda workers begin a consultative vote on industrial action today over proposed cuts to their sick pay and a real-terms pay cut.

Bosses are trying to force through a pay deal that would see loyal workers lose sick pay entitlement - including the first three days of paid sick pay in any sickness absence and the last 13 to 26 weeks of sick pay.

The sick pay scheme was introduced in 2012 when Asda distribution workers were at increased risk of workplace stress and musco-skeletal issues due to higher pick rates. 

The consultative ballot of nearly 8,000 GMB members working in driver, warehouse and clerical roles ends on 4 May.

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said:   

“These workers kept the nation fed during the pandemic when, in 2020, Asda’s executives awarded themselves a 38.8 per cent pay increase.  

“It’s sad that Asda now want to use the cost-of-living crisis to try to pressure these key workers into self-funding their own pay increase via cuts to their sick pay. 

“With inflation soaring above 8 per cent and the UK facing the worst drop in living standards in fifty years, it’s time these workers need a proper pay rise to help them make ends meet.”