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Asda memo on derecognition and work rotas enrages GMB
Page 18
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Supermarket giant Asda and the GMB union are locking horns over a leaked internal memo about derecognition. Lucia Cockcroft reports.
ASDA MANAGEMENT is planning a raft of cost-cutting measures at its Lutterworth regional distribution centre, including a move towards removing the union, according to the GMB union.
According to an internal document leaked to the GMB, the retail giant is considering measures to boost staff productivity. These include the abolition of union recognition and a new rota for staff to work one in two weekends, instead of the current one in four.
The detailed paper concludes with a target to manage the site "without GMB involvement'', It concedes that derecognising the Union could crush staff morale.
A spokesperson for Asda. which operates 29 UK depots, strongly denied suggestions that Lutter worth, or any other depot, has plans to stop involvement with the GMB,dismissing the allegations as "absolute nonsense", He explains: The document was an internal discussion document relating to one particular depot, and was simply a record of things discussed at a meeting. It is not a strategy document.
The Luttervvorth RDC has a professional relationship with the GMB that ensures a proper consultation at all times. and regular, meaningful meetings."
But Andy Wort, GMB regional secretary, said the proof of intention was stated firmly in the document. and pledged that any derecognition plans would be fought "all the way".
He says: 'We were appalled that Asda should be attempting such anti-union tactics. For years we have attempted to run a partnership agreement, solo find they are planning to do this suggests that Wal-Mart is at long last taking control of Asda. While we are not surprised at these proposals we are appalled and dismayed at them."
GMB currently represents about 80% of the 872 employees at Asda's Luttervvorth hub.