HUNDREDS of workers at an Asda distribution depot have started a three-day strike after attempts to resolve a pay row failed.
Members of the GMB union at the depot in Washington, Tyne and Wear, walked out at midnight after earlier voting by 3-1 in favour of industrial action.
The union said its 530 members had been offered a 10% pay rise, but only if they gave up the right to collective bargaining, which they refused.
GMB official Mark Wilson said: "The strike will be solid and will impact on Asda stores across the North of England.
"Asda will have to improve its offer.
"The company needs to get back to the negotiating table and sort out a deal with the members."
An Asda spokesman said it was hoped the dispute would have minimum disruption on its stores, which includes one in Bradford Road, Huddersfield.
He said the depot supplied only a small part of the chain's non-food goods.
