DISTRIBUTION workers at supermarket firm Asda are threatening strike action over a long-running dispute over pay.

The supermarket, which was recently named as one of the top ten best companies to work for in a national newspaper poll, is facing a revolt by 800 staff at one of its huge distribution centres in Washington, Wearside.

The workers used to work for Wincanton Logistics before they transferred under a Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment agreement, which protected their working conditions, last March.

But the staff claim that they are being paid less than workers at a fellow Asda distribution centre close to where they work on the Pattinson Industrial Estate, in Mandarin Way.

Workers say that although the company initially made an offer for them to transfer to the same conditions as other Asda staff, it would have meant them losing their negotiating rights for the future.

The dispute has dragged on for six months and a ballot for industrial action could take place before the end of the month.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "Everyone is up in arms. We work for the same company and under the same manager yet those down the road get paid about a £1 more for doing the same job.

"The fact that they've just been named as the one of the best companies to work for is a joke."

Julie Elliott, GMB Union regional organiser, said: "Asda keep coming back with different offers but most of them revolve around three per cent when the men want six.

"The men haven't accepted the offers which have come through and although we've had ACAS involved, if they don't accept then the only thing we can do is hold an industrial action ballot."

A spokesman for Asda said the workers had been offered and rejected the same pay agreements as the second Washington depot when they transferred. He said they were waiting for an improved offer to be put to the staff through the GMB Union.

"The offer is significantly more than the rate of inflation," he said.