Over 150 MPs have appealed to Asda’s leadership to settle a significant equal pay dispute.
- 159 MPs have signed a letter urging the majority owners, TDR Capital, to address gender pay discrimination allegations.
- The legal conflict has reached a second stage, representing over £2 billion in potentially owed backdated pay.
- Labour MP Nadia Whittome, along with other notable political figures, leads this initiative.
- Asda maintains its stance against the claims, amidst mounting political and legal pressure.
More than 150 members of parliament have issued a call for action to Asda’s executives, pressing for a resolution to the ongoing equal pay dispute. This development is reported by the GMB Union, highlighting an influential backing for the supermarket’s workers.
A total of 159 MPs have endorsed a letter addressed to TDR Capital, Asda’s majority shareholders, prompting them to settle the contentious ‘gender discrimination’ employment case. The case has advanced to its second stage, with significant financial implications for the company.
The lead proponent of the correspondence, Labour MP Nadia Whittome, is accompanied by key political figures including former Labour Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott and Plaid Cymru Westminster Group Leader Liz Saville-Roberts. These politicians are advocating for urgent negotiations to commence between TDR Capital and the GMB Union.
The MPs’ letter underscores the potential liability Asda faces, stating that ‘now is the time for Asda to begin seriously considering how to address the issue of pay discrimination.’ It is highlighted that backdated compensation could exceed £2 billion.
Asda contests these claims, with a spokesperson asserting, ‘We fully respect the right of current and former colleagues to bring this case, however, we strongly reject any claim that Asda’s pay rates are influenced by gender.’ This statement reflects Asda’s position that retail and warehouse jobs, with distinct skill requirements, justify different pay structures.
The GMB Union’s national officer, Nadine Houghton, supports this legislative push, remarking that Asda’s female employees have long sustained the retailer’s profits without fair remuneration. ‘Low paid women workers have propped up the profits of retail giants for too long, it’s time they are paid properly for the valuable work they do,’ she comments.
The political pressure follows recent worker demonstrations and the advancement of court proceedings affecting over 60,000 employees. Last month’s legal victory for employees at Next, concerning a similar pay issue, adds context and pressure to Asda’s current predicament.
The call from MPs amplifies the urgency for Asda to engage in meaningful negotiations to resolve the equal pay dispute.
