Thousands of Asda workers are to be balloted on the retailers latest pay offer.
The Grocer has learnt the GMB union will hold a ballot starting on 31 January and ending 14 February, with drivers and distribution centre workers deciding whether accept Asda’s latest wage increase offer which it made at the end of last week .
Further negotiation was held after 94% of warehouse, clerical workers and HGV drivers refused to accept an initial pay offer from Asda, demanding what they called a “meaningful rise”.
The union claimed Asda owners the Issa brothers had failed to take into account soaring inflation and the role workers have played feeding the nation in the pandemic.
However, Asda sources claim the union has made “unreasonable” demands, with the GMB seeking “eye-watering” pay rises of more than 20%.
The latest offers has seen Asda offer base rate increases to warehouse and clerical staff ranging from 4.98% to 6.10% and 6.49% to 7.53% for transport staff.
The exact amount depends on their role and where they are based in the UK.
An Asda spokesman said: “We recognise the vital role our logistics colleagues have played throughout the pandemic to keep our stores well-stocked and support the business ‒ and have made a fair, competitive and sustainable pay offer which recognises rising inflation. We are hopeful they will vote in favour of this offer in the forthcoming ballot.”
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