The GMB is staging a mass protest after Asda attempted to impose ‘punitive’ contracts on staff.
Asda workers from across the country will gather at City Square, in Leeds City Centre, at 12noon on August 14.
The so-called ‘flexible’ Contract 6 will see workers no longer paid for any breaks and forced to work bank holidays in return for £9.00 per hour pay rates.Those who do not sign could be forced to leave their employment.
The contract had previously been voluntary for staff – but members now say they are being strong-armed into signed the new deal.
In a recent consultative ballot, 93% of respondents told GMB that they did not agree with the contract changes which were being forced on them.
“This demonstration will send a loud and clear message to Asda that however much pressure management has put on staff to sign, workers believe contract 6 is still not good enough.
“Asda is a multi-billion pound, highly profitable company – it can afford to treat staff better than this.
“The new contract cuts holiday entitlement, slashes bank holiday and night shift pay, and introduces an any time, any place, anywhere culture which risks a hugely damaging impact on the predominately part time low paid, female workforce, who need flexibility that works for them.
“We’re calling on Asda to come back to the negotiating table and give this dedicated workforce a fair deal.”
