Asda Staff Take a Stand Against New Contract Proposals
- Asda workers protest new contracts deemed ‘punitive’ by GMB Union
- Protest planned for 14 August in Leeds
- Contract proposals include £9 per hour pay increase, but no breaks and forced work on bank holidays
- GMB Union claims contract negatively impacts holiday entitlement and night shift pay
- Union calls for Asda to revisit negotiations for a fair deal
Workers at Asda are set to protest over new contracts which have been deemed as ‘punitive’ by trade union GMB Union. The Union, who represent the supermarket employees, has arranged a protest which will take place in Leeds on 14 August against the contract six proposals. The contract will see staff pay increased to £9 per hour, which Asda claims will give a ‘real terms’ pay increase to 95% of workers. The union claims that the new contract, will see workers no longer paid for any breaks and forced to work bank holidays in return for the pay increase. Gary Carter, national officer, GMB, said: “The new contract cuts holiday entitlement, slashes bank holiday and night shift pay, and introduces an any time, any place, anywhere culture which risks a hugely damaging impact on the predominantly part-time, low paid, female workforce, who need flexibility that works for them. ‘We’re calling on Asda to come back to the negotiating table and give this dedicated workforce a fair deal.’ A spokesperson for Asda added: “This new contract will see Asda invest in a pay increase for over 100,000 retail colleagues, as well as enabling us to deliver better service to our customers in an intensely competitive marketplace. We are continuing to talk to our colleagues about this change and to understand what it might mean for their individual circumstances.” The supermarket currently employs around 50,000 people with the proposal said to represent an investment over £80m.
Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides a balanced view of both sides of the issue and includes quotes from the union and Asda. However, it could provide more information on the specifics of the new contract proposals and their impact on workers.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a labor dispute and includes statements from both sides of the issue. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or context on the potential impact of the new contracts on workers and the industry.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Asda’s employees and the company itself
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a labor dispute involving Asda, a supermarket chain, which could impact its workforce and potentially affect its operations and financial situation. This has implications for both the company and its employees, making it relevant to financial topics.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The situation described involves labor disputes and contract changes, but it does not meet the criteria for an extreme event.
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