EXCLUSIVE
Labour peer urged to step in over Asda
BY PAUL HUTCHEON Political Editor
A LABOUR peer has been urged to intervene in the war of words between Asda and a trade union.
The GMB wants Lord Haughey, whose firm has close commercial links to the supermarket, to back it as it opposes company plans for poorer terms and conditions.
The union claims thousands of workers face the choice of signing up to the so-called “contract six”, or risk the sack.
It claims Asda Walmart’s new deal, which includes a rise in the basic rate of pay, includes a loss of paid breaks and having to work some bank holidays.
The company says the changes represent an increase in real pay for more than 100,000 of its hourly paid staff.
A debate took place yesterday at Holyrood on the row.
Haughey’s firm, City Facilities Management Holdings, has renewed its contract with Asda to provide services including facilities management.
GMB Scotland organiser Robert Deavy believes the peer should use his influence to urge a rethink.
He said: “Our members would have been grateful to see Lord Haughey, as an influential sub-contractor, take Asda to task for its appalling treatment of a workforce that comprises of predominantly low-paid women.”
Lord Haughey said: “I don’t have anything to say.”
Asda said: “We don’t want any of our colleagues to leave us and whilst the vast majority have chosen to sign the new contract, we continue to have conversations with those who have chosen not to, to understand their concerns.”