One of retail's Big 4 grocers, ASDA, set a deadline of 2.11.19 for staff to sign a new contract or be dismissed. They launched a consultation with around 60,000 staff in May and GMB have stated that they believe 12,000 of these are under the threat of dismissal in the run up to Christmas. Some workers comments in the Retail Gazette are eye opening, with several stating they have been bullied into signing. ASDA announced on 6.11.19 that the deadline to sign Contract 6 has been extended to 10.11.19. However some staff are reporting that they have received already dismissal letters.
Whilst the new contract increases hourly pay for shop workers from £9.00 to £9.18 in April 2020, it removes paid breaks; makes working bank holidays mandatory unless staff are able to take leave from their annual leave allowance; reduces the night shift and consequently pay from eight hours to five hours per shift (12.00am to 5.00am) and those on day shifts have to agree to make themselves available to do any shifts between the hours of 8.00am and 10.00pm.
This will clearly have an adverse impact on many workers, but for those who have caring responsibilities and others with difficulties meeting the flexibility that ASDA bosses insist upon it, it will be impossible to meet.
The contract is being dubbed "The Martini Contract" by staff who feel they are being expected to work "Any time, any place, anywhere", a phrase made famous in the 1970's advertising slogan for that drink brand. As part of their campaign against these detrimental and discriminatory changes the GMB is urging people to sign the letter to the ASDA CEO which can be found HERE
Please consider adding your name.
Jacquie Hadfield
