Asda workers in Lowestoft vote to strike
Staff say their mental health and well-being has been badly affected by poor working conditions
Asda workers in Lowestoft have voted to go on strike.
Members of the GMB union at the store voted overwhelmingly in favour of the action, with the union saying 87% of those who voted, voted to take industrial action.
It'll become just the third Asda to face a strike, after workers in Gosport walked out last month and with staff at Wisbech set for industrial action over Easter weekend.
Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “Asda’s owners are not investing in stores and workers are paying the price.
“The evidence is clear; thousands of health and safety breaches, including blocked fire exits, fire routes, and fire extinguishers, along with faulty fire alarm systems.
“At the same time workers face cuts to their hours and inadequate training.
“They’ve had enough and are walking out to make sure Asda listens.
“GMB is behind every one of our members within Asda Lowestoft in making sure their voices are heard and they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
What does Asda say?
An Asda spokesperson told us: "We value feedback from our colleagues and have worked collaboratively with the GMB representatives in Lowestoft to address the points raised.
"While we are disappointed by the outcome of the ballot, we will continue to engage with GMB representatives to try and reach an amicable solution.
"It is important to note that fewer than 50% of colleagues at the Lowestoft store have said they would support industrial action, and we can reassure colleagues and customers that we have comprehensive plans in place to minimise disruption in the event of industrial action at the store.”
Strike dates will be announced in the coming days.