Asda Wal-Mart strike called off after some concessions

Submitted by Anon on 16 July, 2006 - 11:19

By a GMB member

The GMB called off its planned five-day strike at Asda Wal-Mart depots at the end of June, after getting an agreement on collective bargaining from the firm.

Workers in Asda Wal-Mart's 20 distribution depots voted by three to one (74%) in favour of strike action for three demands: collective bargaining in all 20 depots, payment of a £300 unpaid bonus and health and safety guarantees on shifting boxes.

The agreement sets up a new Distribution National Joint Council to discuss collective bargaining issues. It also gives the GMB access to all Asda Wal-Mart distribution sites. The company signed to say that they have “no principled objection to collective bargaining provided this is subject to the free and informed choice of employees”.

The threat of strike action, which would apparently have cost Asda Wal-Mart £1m a day, did get the firm to the table and to sign this agreement. They backed out of a deal two months ago – and given its anti-union record, this agreement is a retreat by the firm.

The main demand on the ballot was for collective bargaining rights - and the consultative council together with other commitments are a step towards getting those rights. It gives the GMB an opening to organise, as it only has collective agreements in nine of the depots and union reps have been victimised. However the agreement explicitly says it “is not itself a collective bargaining or legally binding agreement”.

As it stands, there is nothing in the agreement on the other two issues - the unpaid bonus and health and safety - though the latter is on the list for discussion at the consultative council. There are no immediate tangible material benefits for the depot workers – but certainly some more space for the union to organise – and potentially fight on pay, health and safety and other issues.

The agreement may also make it easier to organise the supermarkets, which have much lower density. The phrase about “no principled objection to collective bargaining” can be used in this ongoing campaign.

Asda Wal-Mart had plans to bring in scabs and took the union to court days before the strike was to begin. It remains a viciously anti-union firm like its parent company – and the GMB will need to use the opening swiftly to press for gains or else lose the momentum gained from the strike ballot.

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