A significant political push is underway urging Asda to resolve its ongoing gender pay dispute.
- 159 Members of Parliament have signed a letter addressed to Asda’s owners, TDR Capital.
- The MPs call for immediate negotiations to settle claims of gender pay discrimination.
- The backdated pay claims could potentially exceed £2 billion, according to the letter.
- Asda is defending its pay practices, citing industry specific pay structures.
A major initiative has been launched involving 159 Members of Parliament (MPs) who have signed a letter directed at Asda’s principal owners, TDR Capital. The purpose of the letter is to encourage the owners to promptly engage in settlement negotiations regarding the ongoing gender pay dispute, which is currently in its second phase.
The letter, spearheaded by Labour MP Nadia Whittome and supported by other notable figures including Diane Abbott and Liz Saville-Roberts, claims that the unresolved pay discrepancies could result in claims amounting to more than £2 billion. The MPs assert that it is crucial for Asda to seriously consider resolving the pay discrimination issues.
An Asda representative has responded to the letter, stating the company respects its workers’ rights to legal action but refutes allegations that its pay rates are gender-influenced. Asda maintains that its pay structures are aligned with the distinct skills required in retail and distribution, which they argue are separate industry sectors.
Nadine Houghton, a national officer for the GMB union, stated that Asda’s retail staff would be pleased to see political support for their cause. She highlighted that the issue of unfair pay has long been a burden for low-paid female workers, emphasizing that the situation prompts a reconsideration of the value of their contributions.
Recently, Asda faced demonstrations from its workers as the dispute progressed into its second stage. The Employment Tribunal has tasked Asda with justifying why its predominantly female retail workforce earns significantly less than their mostly male counterparts in its warehouses, amidst similar cases involving other major retailers.
The call from MPs places increased pressure on Asda to address the gender pay disparity, highlighting a growing demand for equality across the retail sector.
