Workers at Asda distribution depots across the UK are set to strike.
The GMB union is balloting thousands of members in the company's 19 distribution depots which supply the entire supermarket depot, after talks over a dispute at the Dartford depot broke down late last week.
Management at the warehouse in Kent are threatening to tear up a union bargaining agreement next Wednesday if the GMB fail to sign up to a "modern" negotiating arrangement. Following official approval from the union's national executive, the ballot is certain to go ahead short of a stand down by Asda.
Earlier this month, Asda was fined £850,000 after an anti-union bribe attempt at their Tyne and Wear depot (see link below).
Jude Brimble, GMB national officer responsible for Asda employees, said management had been guilty of a "litany" of initiatives which had upset workers.
"They've now gone too far by issuing the unilateral threat to end the agreement at Dartford," she said.
