Asda workers at two distribution depots have voted in favour of GMB recognition this week.
Members at Chepstow distribution depot have voted by 90% for the recognition of the GMB union in a secret ballot conducted by Electoral Reform Services (ERS), the GMB said.
In addition, Asda workers at the Erith distribution depot have voted by 85% for GMB recognition in a separate ERS secret ballot.
It means that pay and terms and conditions of employment at the two depots will now be negotiated between local management and GMB representatives.
They are the first to be held at the Asda’s 24 distribution depots under the agreement reached between GMB and Wal-Mart’s UK subsidiary on 29 June 2006.
GMB now has collective bargaining rights in 11 of the 24 depots.
GMB General Secretary Paul Kenny said: “This exercise has been a great success for GMB, for Asda Wal-Mart and most of all for the employees at Chepstow and Erith depots.
“It is important to know how strongly Asda Wal-Mart workers value having an independent trade union voice at work. GMB looks forward to a long and constructive relationship with the company in these two depots, in the other twenty-two depots and in all the stores across the UK.”
