Shadow Justice Secretary joins GMB’s Asda Contract 6 protest

The GMB union has announced that Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon will join its protest against Asda’s decision to impose ‘punishing’ new contracts on staff.

Asda workers will gather at City Square, in Leeds City Centre, at 12 noon today. Burgon, MP for Leeds East, will address the crowd, before a march past Asda house, finishing at the Tetley Brewery car park at 2pm. The retailer’s controversial Contract 6 will see workers no longer paid for any breaks and asked to work bank holidays.

The GMB claims that Asda has told its members they will be sacked if they don’t sign the deal – and many workers are being forced to choose between caring for vulnerable relatives or losing their jobs in the run up the Christmas.

Burgon says: “Workers deserve better than this dreadful, race-to-the-bottom treatment by Asda. Asda’s owners need to listen to the people who create their very considerable wealth - its staff right across the country. This is no way to treat people. Asda should get round the table and negotiate rather than forcing staff into an impossible position.”

Asda did not respond to our request for comment.