GMB union hits out at Asos during coronavirus outbreak
Asos has become the latest retailer to incur the wrath of the GMB union amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Following in the footsteps of Amazon and Matalan, the pureplay stands accused of “playing Russian roulette with people’s lives” as it fails to enforce social distancing in packed warehouses.
The fast fashion giant has up to 4,000 people at its warehouse in Grimethorpe, Barnsley. The GMB says that workers report a complicated clocking in system which means large numbers of people gather in a small area, and hundreds all breaking for lunch at the same time.
“The situation at Asos is disgusting. It looks exactly like a hot bed of infection – and workers are very scared,” says Deanne Ferguson, GMB Organiser.
“Asos needs to put people before profits and make sure workers are the are distance apart and paid properly if they need to take time off. Anything else is putting unnecessary lives at risk.”
"I have spoken to a number of concerned workers employed at the warehouse in Grimethorpe who feel that their health is being put before profit in this national crisis.,” comments Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East.
“It is imperative that we all do our bit to stop the spread of coronavirus, saving future lives. Asos employs more than 4,000 workers in the UK. They shouldn't have to put theirs and their family’s wellbeing on the line for a pay check.”
She adds that she has written to CEO Nick Beighton expressing her concern and will do all she can to “make sure workers across Barnsley East are able to do their jobs in safe conditions.”
Asos responds
“We totally refute the allegations made by the GMB. They are false, do nothing more than serve to create panic and hysteria in an already uncertain time, and are part of a continuing campaign against us and the recognised union on site, Community,” an Asos spokesperson told RTIH.
“It is simply not true to say we don’t have social distancing protocols in place and it is not true to say that we have thousands of employees working under one roof. The reality is we typically have around 500 colleagues working in our 680,000 square feet facility at any one time and we have strict social distancing protocols in place but, it must be said, it is also our colleagues’ responsibility to adhere to them.”
The spokesperson added that, as directed by the government, it, along with other online retailers, is ensuring it strikes the right balance between keeping its warehouse operational and maintaining the health and safety of staff, “which is always our number one priority”.
