The GMB union will now represent Asda distribution managers in any dispute over pay and conditions, after signing a “historic” collective agreement.
In July, 980 shift and departmental managers across 23 Asda distribution sites were given permission to vote on whether they wanted union recognition, by GMB’s Central Arbitration Committee.
The majority approved, meaning GMB will now represent them in any negotiations over pay and working conditions.
“Asda’s distribution managers told us they were fed up and needed a voice in the workplace,” said GMB national officer Nadine Houghton.
“This is what they have voted for. They will now get an equal seat at the table when it comes to deciding their pay and conditions. And no changes can be made without consulting the workers who make Asda’s profits.”
The collective bargaining agreement only applies to salaried managers in Asda depots and does not apply to workers in stores or elsewhere in its logistics chain.
Asda and Asda Express staff, including colleagues in its foodservice business, are represented by Usdaw, the retail trade union. Usdaw also has a collective bargaining agreement with Asda stores in Northern Ireland.
Acknowledging the latest collective bargaining arrangement, an Asda spokesman said: “The GMB has secured sufficient support from salaried managers in our depots to establish a collective bargaining unit representing these colleagues.
“We respect the outcome of this vote and will work constructively with the GMB to agree next steps. Our focus is on fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship with the union, guided by doing the right thing for our colleagues,” he added.
Asda and GMB in an increasingly tense relationship
The vote comes amid strained tensions between Asda and the trade union. In July, GMB claimed Asda workers were among the worst-paid supermarket staff in the UK.
Despite a 4.7% pay rise to £12.45 for hourly staff announced in March, which rose to £12.60 in October, the supermarket still lagged behind Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl on hourly pay, GMB highlighted.
The union also claimed Asda exploited a loophole in the law, which it claimed meant Asda paid retail workers below the minimum wage for the first two weeks of April.
Asda strenuously denied both claims at the time, highlighting that it had invested more than £500m into retail pay since its 2021 takeover by TDR.
Following the latest collective agreement, Houghton said: “We are clear – Asda’s owners TDR capital are making business decisions that are deeply concerning their workforce. It is understandable that these workers are looking for ways to protect themselves from the cuts being inflicted by TDR. Asda workers create the profit, and Asda owners are extracting it.
“GMB will not stand by while Asda’s workers are asked to pay the price for asset stripping and debt ladening brought on by TDR Capital. Workers’ voices must be heard as the business seeks to redefine itself – GMB representation secures this.”
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