Asda Lowestoft faces GMB strike vote 

Asda’s Lowestoft store has become the fifth to face a strike vote by GMB members after workers said they were ready for industrial action. 

A consultative ballot of nearly 200 GMB members at the store showed almost 90 per cent were ready to strike, on a turnout of just under 80 per cent. 

GMB union said it will notify the company this week, with the vote likely to begin the week after. 

Workers are angry at a series of issues including: 

• Cuts in hours
• Poor quality training
• Bullying management
• Health and safety issues not being addressed
• Fire safety breaches rampant
• Equal pay not resolved in a timely manner
• No collective bargaining with GMB 

Lowestoft becomes the fifth Asda to face industrial action after industrial action at Gosport and strike votes at Wisbech and Brighton’s Hollingbury and Marina stores. 

“Asda has lost its leadership, it’s direction and management no longer values colleagues,” said Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser. “The current state of the company is dire. GMB Members in Asda Lowestoft are fed up with lies, they want issues resolving they do not want 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 with 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.”