First ever strike at Asda superstore in Gosport suspended while talks take place

Members of the GMB union at Asda's Gosport store were due to walk out on Friday 12 January for two weeks. Credit: PA

Industrial action at an Asda superstore has been suspended while talks between the employer and the union take place.

Members of the GMB union at Asda's Gosport store were due to walk out today (Friday 12 January) for two weeks.

A spokesperson from Asda says: "We are pleased that the GMB union have agreed to postpone any industrial action at the Gosport store to allow for further constructive talks following our meeting at ACAS yesterday.

"Talks will reconvene on Thursday 18th and we hope that this will lead to an agreeable resolution for all parties and will avoid disruption for our customers and colleagues alike."

If talks fail, up to 100 workers will walk out from Friday 19 January.

The union is hoping it can address the issues in store, which its members are describing as creating a "toxic atmosphere." They are also raising concerns about wages and health and safety.

Members of the GMB union at Asda's Gosport superstore will walk out over pay and concerns over health and safety and a 'toxic' workplace. Credit: ITV Meridian

GMB Regional Organiser, Nicola Nixon said: "GMB have agreed to further push back the strike action at Asda’s Gosport Superstore in a show of good faith following talks with the employer yesterday. 

“We are being very clear though that if sufficient progress hasn’t taken place in the meantime and Asda haven’t used this week wisely, our members will be out on strike beginning next Friday. 

“Asda top brass may be distracted by what’s going on at the Select Committee but that doesn’t mean they can ignore what is happening at a store-level in Gosport. 

“Asda colleagues are continuing to join GMB to be a part of this historic strike action – the first such strike in an Asda store - so the longer this rumbles on, the more union members will be picketing outside the front of the store. 

“Our members are bang up for this struggle and we will only delay this strike for so long." 

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