ASDA

GMB officers organising at ASDA York

ASDA NEWS

TRANSFER YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO DIRECT DEBIT TODAY
There has been an issue with GMB deductions from wages for all staff working in ASDA Supermarkets. We are maintaining your protection at work from the date you signed your application form to join. However, in order for this protection to continue you need to transfer to direct debit immediately. You can do this by completing an application form with your direct debit details on and sending it GMB, Grove Hall, 60 College Grove Road, Wakefield WF1 3RN. Application forms should be available in your staff room. Or please call 0845 377 7777 and we will be happy to send one out to you. Alternatively, you can transfer to direct debit by telephone. All you need to do is speak to our Finance Department who can also be contacted on 0845 337 7777.

If you have a Workplace Representative at your store they should be able to assist you with this. Or you can contact Rachel Harrison on 0845 337 7777 to arrange a store visit where you can complete your direct details and maintain your GMB membership.

COLD TEMPERATURES IN STORE

The lack of heating has been a problem in previous years and the GMB National Forum of Shop Stewards have expressed their anger and frustration that workers still have to endure cold temperatures in store. ASDA have no excuse for the lack of preparation and they should be prepared to ensure stores and supermarkets are adequately heated this winter.

It is not acceptable for managers to tell store colleagues to simply work harder if they are cold. If any manager says this to a GMB member we encourage you to register a formal grievance. These types of comments are totally inappropriate and unacceptable and it is clear that ASDA House will not condone this type of attitude from any manager.

Colleagues deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and have the legal right for the store they are working in to be heated to a reasonable level.

If the store or supermarket is uncomfortably cold, management should ensure that breaks are more frequent to allow employees to get warm in restrooms and have a hot drink. Temporary heating units can also be provided to help protect employees working in low temperatures. It is not acceptable to expect employees to simply “put up” with unreasonable cold conditions.

Members having problems should contact your GMB Health and Safety Representative.

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ASDA TRADING ON BOXING DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY

ASDA is trading in all stores on Boxing Day and New Years Day (with some exceptions in Supermarkets). There will be enhanced pay for Boxing Day, re-designated Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Where a store is closed for trade on a bank holiday i.e. Christmas Day, the bank holiday is re-designated and treated as any other bank holiday - time and a half or contracted hours if not working.

Boxing Day working is voluntary and if worked is paid at time and a half plus a thankyou payment that equates to double time or contracted hours if not working.

If you are contracted to Sundays you will be paid for Christmas Day. If you are not contracted then there is no payment.

Colleagues will be asked to work their contracted hours on the eves where required. This will include Christmas Eve.

ASDA have stated that “No Stores are opening on Christmas Day” so the converted Netto Supermarkets will not be opening on Christmas Day.

New Years Day working is voluntary and if worked is paid at time and a half plus a thankyou payment that equates to double time or contracted hours if not working. Due the stores opening on New Years Day, the 2nd January 2012 will be considered a normal day and if contracted you must work it and will be paid your flat rate of pay. Colleagues will be asked to work their contracted hours on the eves where required. This will include New Years Eve.

If you have any other questions about working over Christmas and New Year please contact your Union Representative or Branch Secretary.

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ASDA CHANGES TO YOUR CONTRACT

When the GMB approached ASDA about some colleagues contracts being continually changed they stated it was because of the needs of the business. They also referred to Bateman and Others v. Asda Stores Ltd which went through The Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) in the UK. This case was upheld and ruled that ASDA could rely on a clause in its staff handbook which reserved the right to amend various contractual terms unilaterally, including those relating to pay.

However, ASDA cannot impose these changes to your contract without your consent as this is considered to be a breach of your contract.

When faced with a situation where agreement cannot be reached your employer may decide to dismiss you and re-engage you on new terms. Before dismissing an employee in this way though ASDA need to check whether there are any extenuating circumstances justifying the employees refusal to accept the changes i.e. Health problems, caring responsibilities, etc.

If you are being forced to make changes to any part of your contract it is important to contact your Union Representative or Branch Secretary for further advice.