The GMB Union has announced a forthcoming strike vote at Asda’s Lowestoft branch, signaling escalating tensions between the workforce and management. This development follows a consultative ballot where a resounding 90% of nearly 200 GMB members at the store expressed their readiness for industrial action, with voter turnout reaching nearly 80%.
Lowestoft is now the fifth Asda location to confront the prospect of industrial action, joining Gosport, where industrial action took place, and Wisbech and Brighton’s Hollingbury and Marina stores, which have also conducted strike votes.
Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser, articulated the deep-seated frustration among Asda Lowestoft’s workforce:
“Asda has lost its leadership, its direction, and management no longer values colleagues. The current state of the company is dire. GMB Members in Asda Lowestoft are fed up with lies; they want issues resolved, not to be fobbed off. We have evidence of around 4,000 health and safety breaches, including blocked fire exits, fire routes, and fire extinguishers, along with faulty fire alarm systems. It’s illegal and it should be addressed – we have sent photographic evidence to Asda, but they appear to be burying their heads in the sand. Meanwhile, workers face cuts to their hours and inadequate training – they’ve had enough. 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.”
The union’s strong stance underscores a critical juncture for Asda Lowestoft’s staff, spotlighting the broader issues within the retail giant’s operations and the growing call for change.
Source: GMB Union
