GMB present customer letters to Asda boss
GMB London Region present customer letter to Asda's top boss Roger Burnley
Asda used to be a well-respected company where colleagues were proud to wear the Asda badge. This has changed and the change is not one for the better, says GMB London
GMB Union, the trade union for Asda workers, have returned to march through Leeds to Asda’s Head Office today to hand deliver thousands of customer letters to Asda’s CEO – Roger Burnley.
This follows Asda’s decision to issue their workforce with dismissal letters advising them they will be sacked if they do not sign a one-sided punitive new contract.
Asda Colleagues are to be sacked upon 3rd November due to them having second jobs, having childcare responsibilities and wishing to have a personal life.
The letters, completed by Asda Customers will bring to the attention of Asda that not only should they respect their colleagues but they should also listen to their customers.
A covering letter provided by Keith Dixon, GMB Regional Organiser states:
“During discussions with those customers GMB London Region spoke at length upon the way in which Asda Colleagues were being threatened with the sack and are having your ‘Contract 6’ forced upon them. A contract as you know is flexible purely for Asda’s benefit.
“This flexibility will clearly provide financial savings for the business and is one of the key parts which the business failed to discuss or disclose during the consultation period. This we feel is underhand and deceives your colleagues.
“Your customers were disgusted with the way your loyal colleagues are being treated and as such have willingly signed the letters and agreed for them to be presented to you. Most of your customers have included a home address or an email address for you to respond directly. The rest have requested that a response is forwarded to my office.
“In conclusion, Asda used to be a well-respected company where colleagues were proud to wear the Asda badge. This has changed and the change is not one for the better.
“You have the power and the authority to correct the direction the business has driven Asda to; however, you have an uphill battle to win back the respect and trust your employees had of Asda.
“It’s time to return to the negotiating table and work with GMB upon pay, terms and conditions to continue to keep the business successful and give your colleagues the respect and pride they used to have.”
ENDS
Contact: Keith Dixon 07703 469403 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114762
