Staff members at an Asda superstore in Hampshire are set to strike for two weeks in the new year over health and safety issues.
It comes after GMB Union members at the Asda store in Dock Road, Gosport, voted in favour of strike action over a ‘litany’ of grievances.
The walkout will begin on Friday, January 12 and run until Saturday, January 26 – with the possibility of further delays.
The union says it will be the first at any Asda supermarket in the UK.
Nicola Nixon, GMB regional organiser said: “To my knowledge, no ASDA store has been balloted for strike action before, so this is historic for these members who have been brave enough to stand up and say, ‘enough is enough.’
“The strike action is a cry for help from these hard-working colleagues, who help deliver Christmas for families all across the surrounding area.”
READ MORE: Gosport Asda staff balloted over strikes
The dispute centres around wage errors and health and safety concerns, contributing to a work culture GMB is describing as "toxic".
Nicola added: “Asda management still have time to stop this strike from happening – if they don’t want the store operations to grind to a halt in January, they need to meet us and actually negotiate with us, unlike the five previous times we have met for pointless and unproductive talks.”
When balloting over strike action was first reported in December, an Asda spokesperson said: "We value feedback from our colleagues and have established procedures in place for them to raise any concerns with us.
"The GMB has not brought any issues at the Gosport store to our attention. However, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with them and discuss any concerns they may have."
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