Asda Lowestoft workers poised for strike amid unresolved safety concerns and workplace grievances
Workers at Asda’s Lowestoft store are on the brink of industrial action, driven by a confluence of grievances that underscore a deep-seated dissatisfaction with their current working conditions.
The move towards a strike, backed by nearly 90 per cent of nearly 200 GMB union members at the store, stems from a litany of issues that have eroded worker morale and trust in management.
These issues range from cuts in hours, which directly impact their livelihoods, to poor quality training that fails to equip them for their roles effectively. Furthermore, a culture of bullying management has contributed to a toxic work environment, exacerbating the situation.
Compounding these problems are serious health and safety concerns that remain unaddressed, including rampant fire safety breaches that not only violate regulations but also put workers at significant risk. The lack of timely resolution of equal pay issues and the absence of collective bargaining rights with the GMB have further fuelled the workers’ discontent. This unrest at Lowestoft is indicative of a broader pattern of dissatisfaction within Asda, as it becomes the fifth store to face or consider industrial action.
Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser, has sharply criticised Asda’s leadership and management approach, highlighting a perceived loss of direction and a disregard for employee welfare.
Keith Dixon said: “Asda has lost its leadership, it’s direction and management no longer values colleagues. 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”.
The union has raised alarms over approximately 4,000 health and safety breaches, including critical fire safety violations, yet claims that their evidence and concerns have been largely ignored by the company. This neglect, coupled with the impact of hour cuts and inadequate training, has pushed the workers to their limit, prompting them to demand action and seek the respect and dignity they deserve in their workplace.
