Asda staff have started a petition against the retailer’s plans to close staff canteens in up to 200 stores across the UK.
The proposals would see canteens at “older superstores” replaced with a “new food vending offer”, which would provide microwave ready meals, chocolate bars, sandwiches and salads.
The e-petition - which currently has 65 signatures and is addressed to Asda boss Andy Clarke - was started by Dale Smith, who is a supermarket assistant at the 65,000 sq ft superstore in Bedminster, Bristol.
“Freshly prepared food is a staple in all colleague canteens with lots of colleagues using the canteen for two meals a day,” said Smith. “The removal of this service would have a negative effect on colleague diets as well as removing precious hours from the dedicated colleagues who serve us every day.”
Another Asda worker wrote on the e-petition: “Loyalty counts for nothing in this company and soon we will all be wobbling around the store thanks to the junk food that vending machines provide.”
However, Asda said it would be “consulting with workers” and “taking all views into account” before making a final decision.
“We’re currently looking at investing in a new food vending offer in our older superstores that will ensure all our colleagues have access to a healthy range of food night and day,” said an Asda spokesman. “Our new stores and supermarkets already have a vending operation and we think this could provide a really healthy and varied option.”
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