Asda employees’ new contracts increase wages to £9 an hour but eliminate other positives, like paid lunch breaks and no staff working on bank holidays, according to union.
Union officials for the General Trade Union, which represents Asda workers, said the new requirements is more flexible working hours, including varying shifts between 8 am and 10 pm and switching between departments.
Roger Burnley, Asda’s chief executive said, “We do not want anyone to leave because of the new contract and have tried hard throughout this process to address your concerns.”
The new contract known as ‘Contract 6’ is making the new changes quite difficult for staff who may have other caring responsibilities.
An Asda spokesperson told Personnel Today, “We understand colleagues have commitments outside of work and will not be asking them to constantly move the time they work, their days or departments.”
Asda previously said that any worker who had not agreed to the new deal would lose their job at midnight on October 26. However, on November 1, Asda explained if they turned up to work in the next week they would be automatically transferred to the new deal.
The base rate of £9 since 3 November will increase to £9.18 starting 1 April 2020.
The names of people interviewed for this article have been redacted because it could result in them losing their jobs.
Maria Rodriguez, who’s been working for Asda for three years told Raven News, “I signed it when it was initially announced in May. I did feel under pressure to sign it and although it’s not affected me a huge lot, I can see why it has received such backlash.”
She made clear: “It’s an overwhelming request to ask for members who have other commitments. I don’t think the new contract respects our lives outside of work.”
Asda argued that 95 per cent of staff would be better suited for the new contract because it will increase the take-home pay of more than 100,000 employees through an investment of more than £80 million ensuring that everyone doing the same job is on the same terms and conditions.
Anisah Abbasi, who’s worked for Asda for seven years told Raven news, “I’ve had to accept something I didn’t feel keen or positive about. I think it’s an awful way to be treating people who’ve worked there for years.”
She continued: “I have three young children. I’m worried about the new policy that I won’t be part of my children’s upbringing as much as I would like. I will have to cut down on family trips but before it gets that far I will evaluate my options after Christmas.”