7,000 Asda workers might face the sack except they comply with a ‘shameful’ pay minimize, union claims

Asda workers might be threatened with the sack if they do not comply with a pay minimize, in keeping with the GMB union.

The grocery store chain confirmed it was contemplating ending a 60p-per-hour complement paid to some staff within the South East of England.

They have been paid the additional cash for a few years to make up for the upper price of dwelling close to London.

However, Asda mentioned it was now “out of line with the wider retail market” and meant some workers in shops shut to one another have been paid in a different way.

Some 7,000 folks from 39 shops face a “fire and rehire” state of affairs and shall be threatened with dismissal in the event that they refuse the decrease pay, the GMB claimed.

“Cutting staff pay during a cost of living crisis is shameful. And threatening them with fire and rehire tactics is inexcusable,” the union mentioned.

The GMB mentioned Asda additionally needed to cut back staff’ night time complement, with the wage cuts reportedly being lined up for November.

Asda mentioned it was discussing the proposed pay minimize with workers and that they might be provided compensation if it goes via.

“We are holding a collective consultation in a small number of stores outside the M25 where colleagues are currently paid a legacy location supplement of 60p per hour on top of their existing rate of £11.00 per hour,” mentioned a spokesperson.

“This supplement is out of line with the wider retail market and has created an anomaly where some Asda colleagues in stores that are close together are paid different rates.

“As a part of this session, we’re discussing a compensatory fee for colleagues in return for the elimination of this location complement, if the proposal goes forward. These discussions are ongoing and no remaining determination has been taken.”

Asda was owned by US retail large Walmart however was taken over by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital in 2021.