Asda Gosport strike: GMB union workers strike for 48 hours

The walk-out, originally planned for January, was suspended but GMB said "no improved offer materialised" from Asda

Workers at an Asda superstore have begun two days of strike action.

GMB union said members at Gosport in Hampshire were in dispute with bosses over a "toxic" work culture, wage errors and health and safety concerns.

The walk-out, originally planned for January, was suspended but GMB said "no improved offer materialised" from Asda.

Asda said it was "disappointed" over the decision and added it had "taken reasonable and practical action to address the GMB's concerns".

Workers initially voted to take action in December.

They rejected Asda's recent offer and voted a second time to take strike action, according to GMB.

Nicola Nixon, GMB regional organiser said: "Counter proposals have been made to the company to settle the dispute but Asda has failed to come back with any improvements.

"We originally gave Asda until Tuesday as a show of goodwill but no improved offer materialised and so our strike will now go ahead.

"Our members are determined to stand up to Asda and their management, and say enough is enough.

"They should be able to come to work without threat of bullying or putting their health, safety and well-being at risk."

'Open as usual'

An Asda spokesperson said: "We are disappointed the GMB have taken this course of action and can reassure our customers that the Gosport store will open as usual this weekend.

"The majority of colleagues in store are not affiliated with the GMB and will continue to work as normal during this period.

"Over the course of several weeks, we have taken reasonable and practical action to address the GMB's concerns.

"This includes undertaking a full health and safety review at the store, and providing additional training for colleagues where required.

"We have also asked the GMB on multiple occasions to share details of the alleged bullying in store so these claims can be investigated. The GMB have not yet provided this information."