In a significant move, over 150 MPs have come together to pressure Asda’s ownership to resolve a gender pay dispute.
- The dispute, now in its second stage, involves allegations of gender discrimination against Asda workers.
- Leading this initiative is Labour MP Nadia Whittome, supported by prominent politicians.
- The MPs are urging TDR Capital, the supermarket’s majority owner, to negotiate a settlement.
- The ongoing case could impact over 60,000 employees and involves potentially £2 billion in backdated pay.
In a formidable display of political unity, more than 150 Members of Parliament are urging the leadership of Asda to negotiate a settlement to the firm’s ongoing gender pay dispute. The GMB Union has reported that this action, led by Labour MP Nadia Whittome, includes signatures from influential politicians like former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts.
The focus of the MPs’ letter is TDR Capital, the majority owners of Asda, headed by Manjit Dale and Gary Lindsay. The letter demands that they “urgently commence settlement negotiations” with the GMB union. This call to action emphasizes the importance of resolving a case labeled as ‘gender discrimination.’
The gravity of the situation lies in the amount of backdated pay, estimated to be over £2 billion, that may be owed to retail workers. The MPs highlight that now is a crucial time for Asda to address the pay disparity issue. An Asda spokesperson, while acknowledging the right of employees to pursue the case, rejects claims that gender influences their pay rates, stating that different sectors require distinct skill sets and compensation structures.
Nadine Houghton, a national officer for the GMB, expressed delight over political support for the cause, emphasizing that low-paid women workers have long contributed to retail giants’ profits without fair compensation. The ongoing court case, now in its second stage, impacts over 60,000 employees, demonstrating the dispute’s potential to shift the industry landscape.
This political intervention follows recent demonstrations by Asda workers and echoes a similar case won by employees at Next, where a tribunal found pay disparities between store staff, predominantly women, and warehouse workers. This Next case sets a significant precedent, with Asda’s court battle anticipated to have wide-reaching effects.
The involvement of over 150 MPs underscores the critical nature of resolving Asda’s gender pay dispute.
