asda protest

Source: GMB

The GMB said 800 people attended the protest, which culminated at Asda House in Leeds

Asda faced a mass demonstration at its headquarters this week as staff angry at its new pay contract took to the streets.

The GMB said 800 people attended a protest in Leeds, culminating at Asda House, after claiming 93% of its members within Asda opposed the new contract it is trying to bring in, which has resulted in allegations of “bullying tactics” to staff.

In April, the supermarket announced it was raising minimum hourly store wages but scrapping paid breaks, in a move it claimed would benefit most staff but leave around 3,000 of the 60,000 staff affected worse off.

Asda plans to move hourly paid retail staff in England, Scotland and Wales to new contracts that raise the lowest rate from £8.21 to £9 but also require “more flexibility” over hours and departments, which has caused outrage from staff.

“GMB feels the company’s contract would result in a devastating impact upon the work-life balance, security and income for our GMB members within Asda,” said Keith Dixon, GMB regional organiser.

“Asda needs to understand the value of their dedicated workforce who have for many years grown Asda to be a multibillion-pound profitable business.

“We have had reports of managers using bullying and threatening behaviour by offering false promises, going uninvited to the homes of members who are suffering terminal illnesses and even threatening to withhold holidays and sick pay if they do not sign the new contract.

“It is time Asda realises they have lost the respect and support of their workforce and agrees to meet with GMB to negotiate better terms on behalf of the members.”

An Asda spokesman defended the moves and said the “overwhelming majority” of colleagues had signed up to the new contract.