GMB pushes back Asda strike action to allow 'last-ditch' talks at ACAS

Industrial action at the Gosport Superstore will now be commencing on 15 January, with additional dates also added going into February 

GMB, the union for Asda colleagues, can announce that the first three days of the historic first strike at a UK Asda superstore have been suspended in order for talks to take place between the employer and the union. 

Up to 100 workers at the Gosport superstore will now walk out from Monday 15 January, with additional dates having been scheduled for Monday 29 January to Sunday 11 February. 

The union is hoping that talks will address the issues in store, which its members are describing as creating a ‘toxic atmosphere.’ 

At a national level, MPs have been grilling Asda bosses including company co-owner Mohsin Issa at the Business & Trades Select Committee after GMB identified a £2 billion hole in their accounts, while £2 billion has been declared as dividends. 

Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser said: 

“We are pleased that Asda management are taking our members’ views seriously, but saddened that it took the very real threat of industrial action to bring them to the table for serious talks. 

“Our members are very clear that they will not hesitate to come out on strike on 15 January and into February unless they receive definite commitments that this toxic atmosphere will be brought to an end. 

“While it is ultimately the members who will decide if they are satisfied and they who will decide when the dispute ends, Asda need to come to these last-ditch talks with the sole aim of resolving the issues at hand.”