Supermarket workers vote for GMB

Workers in two Asda Wal-Mart distribution depots have voted in favour of union recognition in a key development in the GMB general union's dealings with the supermarket giant.

In Chepstow the vote was 90% in favour in a 76% turnout, while in Erith there was an 85% "yes" vote in a 78% turnout. This means that pay and conditions of employment in these two depots will now be negotiated between local management and GMB reps.

A difficult dispute between the union and Asda earlier this year was resolved with an agreed mechanism for collective bargaining in depots where the workforce voted for it. These were the first ballots to be held at the 24 depots covered by that mechanism.

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said the result was a "a great success for GMB, for Asda Wal-Mart and most of all for the employees" at the two depots and that the union "looks forward to a long and constructive relationship with the company".