Asda workers win union recognition
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THE GMB UNION is scrappng plans to ballot Asda distribution workers on industrial action after winning concessions on pay bargaining and union recognitton.
Union leaders had accused the Wal-Mart-owned company of trying to dilute recognition agreements at its depots in Dartford and Washington (CM23 February).
They were also demanding common pay-bargaining arrangements at all the company's 21 distribution depots, which together employ about 4,000 drivers.
But Asda chief executive Andy Bond and GMB boss Paul Kenny say they have taken a significant step towards resolving the dis pute: "We've both agreed an action plan to work together to form a national joint council for distribution, and are now going to develop the details of this arrangement."
The GMB says the agreement will mean full union recognition across all distribution sites.
GMB national officer Jude Brimble adds: "We've made it clear to the company that it now has to follow through on its commitments very quickly, in action and not just in words, if its employees' confidence is to be restored."