Real life situations won’t have changed in the space of a week for those who can’t sign punishing new contract, says GMB
GMB, the union for Asda workers has called on the company to lift its threat of the sack from workers.
The call comes after the company today announced a delay to its deadline to sign a new contract or be dismissed.
Asda has extended its deadline for workers’ sign until November 10.
GMB has been campaigning for months against the forced imposition of a punishing new contract at Asda which would see staff work to increased ‘flexibility’, lose paid breaks and subject to compulsory working of bank holidays.
Asda issued the ultimatum to employees they must either sign the contract or lose their jobs.
Stand with Asda workers - sign our petition
On the back of high profile press coverage and the backing of a number of MPs, including Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who met Asda workers earlier this week, the union called on Asda to get remove the threat of dismissal and to get back round the negotiating table.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“This eleventh hour delay kicks the can down the road for Asda workers who are unable to sign this punishing new contract. They now face the prospect of the sack even closer to Christmas.
“Asda are clearly feeling the heat from the opposition to their behaviour but this move does not change the brutal reality facing long-serving, dedicated staff.
“Thousands of Asda workers have been forced into signing this new contract because they can’t afford to lose their jobs, least of all in the run up to Christmas.
“But a seven day delay won’t change the fact that people – often women workers with kids, caring responsibilities or other part-time jobs - simply can’t sign up to these new terms.
“We’re talking about people who have worked at Asda for decades – this is not how any employer should treat loyal, hardworking people. Asda should get back round the table to negotiate and offer a better deal to its workers.”
