Asda workers’ contract row could lead shoppers to go elsewhere, union says

The row over new contracts for workers at supermarket giant Asda could persuade shoppers to go elsewhere, a union has said.

The GMB said a survey of 1,000 people it commissioned showed that almost two out of five said they would be less likely to shop at Asda after hearing the terms of the new contract.

The union has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with Asda over the new contracts, which it says removes paid breaks and changes shift patterns.

GMB national officer Gary Carter said:

Asda used to be rooted in family values, this polling shows that’s what Asda shoppers expect.

Asda customers overwhelmingly want to be served by people who are respected and treated well in their jobs – no one wants to feel bad about doing their shopping, especially at Christmas.

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GMB don’t take any joy from this, because our members’ jobs depend on people shopping at Asda but people want to feel good about where they shop and clearly could vote with their feet.

Asda could still rethink their plans and simply stop going down this route of imposing punishing new terms on loyal workers who work hard for them every day. GMB is calling on them to do just that.

Carter said that the new terms will disproportionately affect women workers. The new contracts require employees to agree working patterns on short notice and don’t accommodate those with children and caring responsibilities. Those who struggle to make care arrangements on short notice, therefore, won’t be able to commit to the new terms.

Asda said most of its employees have signed the new contract, adding that basic pay will increase, while workers will receive an enhanced package including an annual bonus.

An Asda spokesperson said.

We have always been clear that we understand people have responsibilities outside of work and we will always help them to balance these with their work life.

We will not be asking them to constantly move the time they work, their days or departments.