Asda denies union claims that workers could strike at Skelton store

The union had said that staff at an Asda supermarket in Skelton, North Yorkshire, were the latest to vote on a ballot looking at potential industrial action as unrest at the grocery giant continues.

It is understood that store employees are “concerned by health and safety” and “a loss of working hours” in the store, as well as the broader battle for equal pay led by GMB union members.

According to the GMB, 88% of members in Skelton voted in an indicative ballot, with 86% supporting fresh strike action.

But an Asda spokesman denied the claims made by GMB. He said that the union only has 34 members out of a total of 190 staff at the Skelton store, and had already held five failed ballots which had failed “due to a lack of support amongst colleagues”.

The spokesman also refuted allegations of health and safety breaches, adding: ”Colleagues have told us they are frustrated about being repeatedly asked to vote, having already rejected a consultative ballot on five separate occasions. They feel these actions are causing disruption at the store.”

The formal strike ballot opened today and will close on September 9, 2024. If industrial action goes ahead, it is expected to begin later in September.

The news comes ahead of the GMB union’s equal pay claim, which also opens in the High Court on September 9.

GMB union organiser Louise Race said: “This is a historic move for Asda workers in Skelton.

“Staff on site have shown that they are clearly not willing to compromise on health and safety or working conditions any further.

“Furthermore, the strength of this mandate shows that Skelton workers, like other Asda colleagues around the country, want to see union recognition and equal pay for Asda retail workers.

“With our equal pay claim heading to the High Court on September 9, this is a clear message to Asda management that it’s time for change.”