MP blasts Asda in storm over new contracts
SHOPPERS in West Lancashire will be “horrified” by the way Asda is seeking to treat its employees, the area’s MP has said.
Labour’s Rosie Cooper is among MPs calling on the supermarket giant to scrap its controversial changes to workers’ contracts.
New terms would mean increases in the basic hourly rate to £9 an hour but at the expense of flexibility. Working on bank holidays would be compulsory with paid breaks being scrapped.
Ms Cooper is among MPs who have signed Early Day Motion (EDM) 35 which highlights what she says are Asda’s “heavy handed tactics” amid concerns over workers’ flexibility, holidays, pay and terms as the firm seeks to implement Contract 6.
If introduced, hundreds of workers at Ingram in Skelmersdale would be affected.
Asda says signing up to the new contract has been voluntary for staff, but GMB union members say they are being forced to agree to new terms by November 2 with leaflets allegedly being handed to workers redundancy.
The EDM supports the work of the GMB, which is asking for further negotiations as the vast majority of Asda employees did not agree with Contract 6 when asked in a consultative ballot.
Ms Cooper said: “It is deeply concerning that such a large employer in West Lancashire is leaving their staff with no choice threatening other than to accept these new contracts or risk losing their job.
“Many Asda workers with caring commitments are going to be severely hit by any loss in flexibility – this is an awful position for the company to put dedicated staff in.
“Shoppers would be horrified to know Asda are leaving staff with no real choice. Asda should think again.”
An Asda spokesman said: “This change represents an investment of over £80m and an increase in real pay for over 100,000 of our hourly paid colleagues.
“Throughout the consultation process on these changes we have taken colleague concerns and feedback from colleague representatives – including the GMB – on board and have been clear that we understand our colleagues have responsibilities outside of work and we will always help them balance these with their work life.
“We have been clear that we don’t want any of our colleagues to leave us and whilst the vast majority of colleagues have chosen to sign the new contract, we continue to have conversations with those who have chosen not to, to try and understand their concerns.”
Ms Cooper said: “I understand some improvements to the original contract proposed have been won by Asda GMB members and I have called on Asda to work constructively with the union, its members and all colleagues in Asda to seek a better deal and secure a decent future for Asda workers in West Lancashire.
“I have supported this Early Day Motion urging Asda to become a market leader in employee terms and conditions, by meeting with trade unions and employees and giving the workforce a fair deal.” ● ARE you affected? What do you think? Please email Catherine MacKinlay at: catherine. mackinlay@reachplc.com or phone her on 0151 472 2444.