Nine in ten Asda staff oppose imposition of ‘flexible’ contract that could leave thousands worse off, bombshell GMB Union survey reveals

Asda staff are in revolt over the proposed imposition of a new 'flexible' contract with calls for the company to roll back from the plan in the wake of Sainsbury’s failed takeover.
 
A new survey published by GMB, the union for Asda workers, reveals more than 9 in 10 staff (92%) oppose plans to impose ‘Contract 6’ -  which would see workers no longer paid for any breaks and forced to work bank holidays in return for £9.00 per hour pay rates.

The contract had previously been voluntary for staff.
 
More than 8,500 Asda workers completed the GMB survey, with the low hourly rate of pay, forced Bank Holiday working and lack of flexible working protection highest on the list of staff’s concerns with the supermarket giant’s proposals.
 
With Asda’s consultation period due to close on Thursday 23 May, GMB Asda representatives from across the country will visit the company’s Leeds Headquarters at 12 noon today to present the company with its alternative proposals:

Asda House, Southbank, Great Wilson St, Leeds LS11 5AD
 

The union’s proposals include calling on ASDA to uplift shop workers’ pay in line with distribution centre pay within three years, retain anti-social hours pay rates for night working, and giving staff choice around Bank Holiday and festive working [1].
 
The union called on Asda to abandon plans to impose the new contract and to enter meaningful discussions about improving pay and protection for staff.
 
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer for Asda said:
 
“Asda must now listen to the strength of feeling and roll back from its attempts to impose these changes - in the face of opposition from this loyal and dedicated workforce.

"Contract 6 should not be imposed but remain totally voluntary.
 
“The company needs to realise that flexibility is a two way street and start a proper conversation about boosting pay and protection for workers.
 
“It’s time for Asda to move on in the wake of Sainsbury’s collapsed takeover, and to enter meaningful discussions about giving stability and security to the staff who work day in, day out to make the company profitable.
 
“Asda can and should do better by its workers.”
 
ENDS
 
Gary Carter on 07738 958140 or GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at [email protected]
 
Notes to editors:

GMB response to Asda contract proposals (1 May 2019)

https://www.gmb.org.uk/gmb-response-asda

Q5 Do you think signing up to Contract 6 should remain voluntary?
YES - 92%
NO – 7%

 
We asked colleagues why they had not signed up to contract 6 in the last two years. Here’s a flavour of what colleagues have said:
 
“I will be worse off”
 
“Because I have small children and current flexibility suits my childcare.”

“No public transport on bank holidays.”
 
“Flexibility, I have grandchildren and need to be available for them.”
 
“Lose hours because of unpaid breaks.”
 
"I can only work certain hours and shifts because of caring responsibilities and partners work.”
 
"Not getting time and half for bank holidays and loss of floating day."
 
“Would lose out on paid breaks, bank holidays and hours”
 
“Works out less pay after unpaid meal breaks”
 
“Lose benefits and pension credits”