Now ASDA workers could strike as Tesco staff plan to walk out in run-up to Christmas

ASDA workers could be set to strike over a pay spat with the supermarket as thousands of Tesco staff plan to walk out in the run-up to Christmas.

Distribution staff could walk out after Asda did not offer workers a “meaningful pay offer”, according to the GMB Union.

1

Workers will vote on whether to strike or not by December 20 – just days before Christmas.

But as GMB Union would need to organise a full ballot before strikes are arranged, it could be weeks before any industrial action happens.

That means it is unlikely that disruption would happen until the new year.

GMB Union said it was a “disgrace” that Asda was not taking its request to give workers a pay rise “seriously”.

GMB national officer Nadine Houghton said: “Staff who saw colleagues lose their lives to Covid are not having their legitimate demands for a pay rise treated seriously. 

“Asda now says GMB members pay claim is ‘unaffordable’ and yet their hard work and sacrifice helped directors trouser almost £10 million between them.”

An Asda spokesperson said: “The GMB has recently made an additional pay claim on top of a two-year deal which was agreed with them in May.

“As our annual pay negotiations have just begun and discussions are ongoing, any talk of industrial action is premature. 

“In addition, we have responded to the driver shortage by offering all of our existing HGV drivers a £1,000 one-off discretionary incentive retention payment.” 

It comes days after it was reported that thousands of Tesco workers are getting set to strike this Christmas.

The announcement has sparked fears of shortages, with more empty shop shelves as families stock up on supplies for the festive season.

Tesco workers voted to strike unless they were offered a pay deal that keeps pace with inflation.

But warehouse workers have been warned they could lose their annual bonus or be sacked if they go on strike as planned.

Even if the strikes don’t go ahead, shoppers could still have trouble getting their supplies in this Christmas.

Brits are facing a drinks shortage on tipples like Bucks Fizz, wine and gin – leaving families worried they could be in for a booze-free Christmas.

While retailers have warned of toy shortages – with big brands like  Elf on the Shelf, Paw Patrol and Barbie figures among those likely to be missing from shops.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk