Asda workers in GMB vote to strike at Wisbech store

The GMB said workers were "understandably angry" about a range of issues including claims of a

More than 170 workers at an Asda store in Cambridgeshire are ready to strike after a vote, a union has said.

GMB officials said Asda staff in Wisbech had voted "overwhelmingly" for industrial action.

A ballot was "sparked" by "cuts to hours and an increase in a bullying management culture", the union said.

Asda said it was disappointed but would "continue to engage" and "listen to concerns", and had plans in place to minimise any disruption.

The union said 97% voted to walk out, with a turnout of 87%.

Keith Dixon, GMB organiser for the region covering Cambridgeshire, said: "Asda Wisbech workers will now go on strike - just the second time this has happened in an Asda store - after this historic vote.

"They're understandably angry about slashed hours, a non-existent training programme, bullying management, a lack of understanding for H&S [health and safety] and fire safety and almost no negotiation with the GMB.

"These problems stem from the top; money is being stripped out of the business and workers in stores are feeling the pain."

Strike dates would be announced in the coming days, the GMB said.

The union said the ballot followed a two-day strike at the Asda in Gosport, Hampshire, in February.

A GMB spokesman said Asda staff in Lowestoft, Suffolk, were also being balloted.

In a statement, Asda said it was "committed to resolving any concerns raised".

"Following constructive discussions with GMB officials, we took proactive and practical steps in Wisbech to address the health & safety points raised," the supermarket giant said.

"In addition, we have repeatedly asked them to evidence the claims they have made about our store management. However, we are still waiting for this information.

"Although we are disappointed by the GMB's decision to proceed with this course of action, we will continue to engage with them and listen to their concerns."

Asda added that it had "comprehensive plans in place to minimise any disruption in the event of industrial action".

A few days ago, Mohsin Issa, one half of the so-called "billionaire brothers" who own Asda, told the BBC he planned to hand over the running of the UK's third biggest supermarket to a new chief executive once he had carried out a "reset" for the firm, which has a £5bn debt pile.