Retail staff are struggling while Asda’s owners are buying private jets, says GMB Union 

GMB Union begins a ballot of tens of thousands of Asda workers today [4 November] in a dispute over pay. 

Asda is once again the worst paying of the ‘big four’ supermarkets after the other retailers recently gave staff increased pay rises to help with the cost-of-living crisis. [1] 

But despite repeated calls from GMB, Asda bosses refuse to increase retail workers basic pay of £10.10 per hour in line with the other 'big four' 

GMB is asking whether members are happy to accept what is essentially a zero per cent pay offer. The ballot closes on 4th December.  

Struggling Asda workers are incensed the Issa Brothers – owners of the EG group which acquired Asda in a highly leveraged buyout in 2021 –reportedly borrowed tens of millions of euros interest-free from their company to buy two private jets. [2] 

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said: 

“Asda's retail workers are now seeing their hourly rate of pay slip to the bottom of the pile - again.  

“Meanwhile the Issa brothers are loaning themselves tens of millions to buy private jets. 

“Other companies see the need to protect staff from the cost-of-living crisis by offering increased pay rises and staff discounts.  

“It’s time Asda bosses took a leaf out of their book and invested in staff, instead of further debt leveraging Asda to expand their empire.” 

[1] Asda worst paying of 'big four' once again | GMB 

[2] Issa brothers bought private jets with interest-free loans from EG Group | Financial Times (ft.com)