ASDA workers strike outside Clapham store over reduced hours – South London News

Dozens of ASDA workers took to the streets outside an ASDA store, accusing the company of “cutting millions of hours” from the store.

Workers, who are members of the GMB uniongathered outside Clapham Superstore in Lavender Hill, joined by the new MP for Battersea, Marsha de Cordova.

The GMB said around seven per cent of hours were reduced to Clapham store for the past two years, resulting in health and safety issues, “dirty shops and falling standards”.

The union says the cuts came as a result of SO the private equity owners, TDR Capital, which is trying to pay off its debts.

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer said: “This is a daylight robbery of a much-loved British institution, with Asda workers and customers paying the price.”

An ASDA spokesman said the company was investing £30m over the rest of the year to improve the in-store experience, including putting in extra hours in store.

The union also said ASDA workshop workers – who are mainly women – are owed billions of pounds in back pay through their equal pay claim.

The claim has been making headlines since 2014, with the GMB backing members who argue they should be paid equally to distribution workers.

Union officials estimate the underpayment for the Clapham company’s employees could reach £1.8m.

In response, ASDA said retail and distribution were “very different sectors”.

A spokesman said: “At ASDA, male and female colleagues doing the same jobs in stores are paid the same and this is equally true in our distribution centres.

“We continue to defend these claims because retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates.”

Pictured above: ASDA workers and GMB members outside the Clapham store today (Image: GMB)

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