Shoppers warned about Asda shortages and delivery disruption as staff threaten to strike

ASDA shoppers could face delivery disruptions and shortages as the supermarket’s staff are threatening to strike.

Distribution workers could walk out after rejecting the grocer’s latest pay offer.

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GMB union members have moved closer to taking industrial action after rejecting a pay rise offer of between 5% and 7.5%.

A strike could cause product shortages and home delivery delays, The Sun understands.

GMB will now meet with members to discuss next steps.

But Asda said talk of a strike is premature, and that it will hold further discussions with the union at Acas, the industrial relations organisation.

The supermarket said that if there is disruption to stores it will be very minimal and that there are contingency arrangements in place.

It does not expect any stores to close due to strike action.

It has offered warehouse and clerical staff a pay rise of between 4.98% and 6.10%.

Transport employees were offered 7.02% in the deal.

The specific increase depends on location, role and grade of employment.

Jon Parry, vice president of Asda logistics services, said the supermarket is “disappointed” that the offer was rejected.

He said: “We value the key role our colleagues play to keep our stores well stocked and we have negotiated in good faith with the GMB to make a fair, competitive and sustainable pay offer that recognises rising inflation.”

Almost 70 per cent of the 8,000 GMB members polled turned down the pay offer. 

Around 80% of warehouse, clerical and lorry driver staff said they were ready to take industrial action over salaries.

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: “Asda workers are being taken for mugs with below inflation pay offer that basically means a real terms pay cut. 

“They’re not going to take it lying down – it’s now up to Asda bosses to come back with a reasonable offer and avert the threat of industrial action.”

Marks & Spencer has recently upped hourly pay to £10 – we ranked the best supermarket salaries.

Millions of workers are in line to get a pay rise this year, find out if you’re one of them.

Martin Lewis has warned Brits not to miss out on a hidden pay rise.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk