Historic strike announced for ASDA workers

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT SHOPPERS have been warned of potential disruption in early 2024 after ASDA supermarket workers voted to take ‘historic’ industrial action due to fundamental problems at their store located in Dock Road; this scheduled strike being announced by the GMB Union in an official media release published in conjunction with their members last week.

It follows a period of concern around wages and safety of all members that have reportedly remained unresolved at the time of writing, which have contributed to the “toxic” work culture for most colleagues in the Gosport store. Upon talking about these issues with union representatives staff have voted overwhelmingly to take this strike action as a last resort.

The industrial action is believed to be the ‘first ever’ strike of ASDA staff in its history and is currently scheduled to start on the morning of January 12 (Friday); lasting for two full weeks until January 26 (Friday) with more days likely. It is set to impact multiple departments including delivery, customer service and shelf stocking amongst other crucial elements.

It is also reported in national media that another four ASDA stores based in the south of England may follow Gosport in taking ‘industrial’ action early in 2024; but these locations haven’t been identified yet. According to the Times staff have published a dossier of over twenty concerns, including allegations that “fire safety exits have been blocked by rubbish”.

ASDA have outlined they are “disappointed” that the GMB Union have chosen to take this path and have said that their Dock Road store will remain open for customers during the two weeks of industrial action. It is understood that multiple contingency options are being discussed for this period and these will be reviewed depending on overall staffing levels.

GMB Union regional organiser, Nicola Nixon, described this step as “a cry for help from those hard working colleagues, who help deliver Christmas for families all across the surrounding area.” She further added that management still have time to stop this strike from happening and called on them to meet them for productive negotiations before January 12.

PICTURED BY ALAMY (2K0ERX4): Multiple shoppers buy their festive gifts and treats at Gosport ASDA Supermarket.