Public backing Asda workers in fight against Draconian contracts
Asda workers will hand in a 23,000 strong petition opposing a controversial new contract at the company’s HQ today.
The tens of thousands of signatures will be delivered to Asda head office in a shopping trolley as part of a mass protest in Leeds today.
Up to 1,000 protestors from across the UK are expected to gather at City Square, in Leeds, at 12noon today in anger at the so-called 'flexible' Contract 6.
Asda workers have been told to sign the contracts - which will see them lose all their paid breaks and forced to work bank holidays – or be sacked on November 2 in the run up the Christmas.
Dr Who star Paul Mcgann, who also starred in cult hit Withnail and I and Aliens 3, and Rob Delaney, who appeared in Catastrophe and Deadpool 2, both leant their support to Asda workers ahead of today’s demo.
Asda workers have been protesting outside stores up and down the country, while more than 1,000 turned out for a protest in August.
Today we are back in the birth place of Asda – once a proud, family company - calling on bosses to respect workers and offer them a better deal.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer
Latest company accounts show directors trousered a whopping £12million last year – and profits rocketed more than £92 million - at the same time Asda slashed 5,000 jobs
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“Tens of thousands of members of the public are backing our Asda workers in their fight against these Draconian contracts.
“Contract 6 is shocking - the changes are forcing our members to choose between looking after their families, or being able to support them. It’s a disgrace.
“Today we are back in the birth place of Asda – once a proud, family company - calling on bosses to respect workers and offer them a better deal.”
