ASDA EQUAL PAY – FAQ’s
We've been getting lots of questions about equal pay so here's a list of FAQs:
Q1. I completed my claim form ages ago - what's taking so long?!
A: Great question! In a nutshell, Asda are dragging their colleagues through the courts. Asda have decided to fight the equal pay claims every step of the way. They have already spent millions in legal costs and have lost every legal battle instead of sitting down with the GMB to find a negotiated settlement.
Q2. So, what's happening now?
A: On the 29th November 2021 Asda's women workers are in court to talk about their job role and explain to the court why their jobs are of 'equal value' to the work done by their male counterparts in the distribution centres. This is called an 'equal value' hearing. There will be more of these hearings. Asda can appeal against the outcome of these hearings if the judge finds in the Asda workers’ favour.
Q3. Is there anything else we can be doing to help win equal pay?
A: Absolutely! The GMB is launching a petition calling on Asda to carry out an Equal Pay Audit in partnership with the GMB. An equal pay audit compares the pay of men and women doing equal work in an organisation, doing an audit would demonstrate Asda's commitment to removing unfair pay practices. There is also more we can be doing to campaign in stores and politically to end unequal pay.
You can sign the petition and find out more about the campaign here: www.gmb.org.uk/Asda-equal-pay-audit-pledge
Q4. If we eventually win, how much back pay will I be entitled to?
A: You can only receive back pay if you are part of the claim. A successful claim = up to 6 years back pay from the date your claim starts and back pay from the date the claim starts until the claim is resolved. This could be as much as £40,000 for a worker on 35 hours a week and assumes a £2ph difference between the retail and distribution worker.
Q5. I'm not on the claim so why should I care about Equal Pay?
A: Even if you are not on the claim you stand to benefit. You will not be entitled to back pay BUT Asda will have to put their pay structure right moving forward. The GMB estimates the difference between retail and distribution pay to be between £1:50 and £3ph - Asda would be obliged to reflect this in their pay structure after a successful equal pay win. The more GMB members there are in Asda, the better placed we are to negotiate an improved rate of pay or campaign successfully on Equal Pay.
Click this link to sign the: ASDA EQUAL PAY AUDIT PLEDGE
ASDA EQUAL PAY UPDATES
Asda Equal Pay Bulletin - September 2021.pdf
ASDA Equal Pay Claim March 2021 Update.pdf
ASDA BULLETINS
Festive Working Arrangements Update 2021.pdf
Festive Working Arrangements 2021.pdf
Markdowns - Enforced Shift Change June 2021.pdf
ASDA Bakery Redundancies June 2021.pdf
Return to work risk assessment process.pdf
Vulnerable Workers June 2020.pdf
Coronavirus Update April 2020.pdf
Health, Safety & Welfare in Store.pdf
PENSIONS
ASDA ALS Bulletin No 2 - February 2019.pdf
ASDA Pension Bulletin Issue 9 August 2018.pdf
ASDA Pension Bulletin Issue 8 March 2018.pdf
ASDA Pension Bulletin Issue 7 March 2018.pdf
ASDA Pension - GMB Counter Proposals.pdf
ASDA Pension Proposals Issue 6 February 2018.pdf
ASDA Pension Proposals Issue 2 February 2018.pdf
www.gmb.org.uk/asda-pension-questionnaire-jan-2018.pdf
ASDA Pensions' Bulletin - January 2018.pdf
TRANSFER YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO DIRECT DEBIT TODAY
We encourage all GMB members to transfer their membership to direct debit. This prevents your membership from lapsing should there be any issues with pay. It also makes it easier for amendments to be made if you change your contracted hours or move workplaces. You can transfer to direct debit by completing an application form with your direct debit details on and sending it to GMB, Grove Hall, 60 College Grove Road, Wakefield WF1 3RN. Application forms should be available in your staff room. Or please call 0345 337 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 0345 337 7777.
If you have a Workplace Representative at your store they should be able to assist you with this. Or you can contact GMB on 0345 337 7777 to arrange a store visit where you can complete your direct debit details and transfer your GMB membership.
GMB NEEDS MORE WORKPLACE REPS
The GMB is currently looking for new GMB Shop Stewards, Health and Safety Representatives and Union Learner Representatives within ASDA Stores, ASDA Living Stores and ASDA Supermarkets. GMB Representatives are entitled to paid time off to attend meetings with other ASDA Representatives and training provided by the GMB.
GMB Representatives play an important role in organising the GMB in their workplace, advising and representing members on work related issues and dealing with health and safety matters. If you are interested in putting yourself forward for one of these roles please contact GMB on 0345 337 7777 for further information.
BEWARE OF FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
GMB has seen an increase in disciplinary and dismissals as a result of social networking internet sites. Many of our members think that as their facebook and twitter accounts are personal, what they do with them has no affect on their employment. This is incorrect! GMB advises all of its members not to discuss anything regarding your company, workplace or colleagues on any internet site. If your employer sees you have written anything regarding any of these you may be subject to disciplinary action. If the company believe your words to be of bringing the company into disrepute, your actions can be gross misconduct and lead to your dismissal.
Remember, social networking sites can be accessed by anyone and therefore be aware of what information you disclose.
You can follow the GMB on Twitter - @gmbcampaigns
