Nationwide store protests held today by Asda workers threatened with sack
Asda is ‘punishing’ workers who haven’t signed a controversial new contract by taking away their sick pay, GMB Union can reveal.
The disclosure comes ahead of protests across the country from Asda workers angry at the imposition of the contract.
Protests will take place at Asda stores in Liverpool, London, Hull, Crewe, Dundee, Sheffield, Glasgow, Cwbran, South Shields, Sheffield, Stockport, Portsmouth, Livingston and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The company has told workers they must sign the so-called 'flexible' Contract 6 - which will see them lose all their paid breaks and forced to work bank holidays – or be sacked on November 2.
Now Asda has told those who are yet to sign the contract they will not be paid for any sick leave until they do.
Asda workers from across the UK gathered in Leeds last month
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Many GMB members say the contract is forcing them to choose between caring for vulnerable relatives or losing their jobs in the run up the Christmas.
More than 1,000 Asda workers from across the country gathered in Leeds last month in anger at the new contracts.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“Asda workers already feel like they are being treated like dirt over this damaging new contract.
By imposing this new contract with the contractual changes it brings, Asda are forcing people to choose between looking after their disabled son, elderly mother or vulnerable wife and losing their job – it’s just not right.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer
“Now they are being punished again – if they stand up for their rights, do not sign up to the inferior terms, Asda have said they won't get their contractual sick pay.
“By imposing this new contract with the contractual changes it brings, Asda are forcing people to choose between looking after their disabled son, elderly mother or vulnerable wife and losing their job – it’s just not right.
“We’re calling on Asda to respect its workforce and offer dedicated, long-serving staff a better deal.”
