ASDA employees fighting contract changes have been put on 12 weeks’ notice while negotiations continue – a move described as Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, as “disgraceful”.
In a letter to Alex, ASDA CEO Roger Burnley has outlined the company’s strategy in the long-running dispute over changes to staff contracts. In the letter Mr Burnley states
“For those who do not sign up to the new terms, we have issued a minimum of 12-weeks’ notice, while continuing to discuss the new contract with them. They will be able to change their mind at any point during this period.”
The trade union GMB are campaigning on behalf of ASDA staff. Alex previously intervened in the dispute after several constituents – and ASDA employees – got in touch with him asking for his assistance.
Alex said
It is lamentable that a once proud British institution like ASDA is adopting its parent company’s approach when it comes to employment practices.
Issuing notices to staff fighting for decent terms and conditions is a disgrace, and can only be seen as an attempt to scare employees into accepting terms and conditions that might not acceptable to them.
ASDA should do the right thing – cancel these notices and get back round the table with the GMB and ASDA staff.
