Asda workers stage protest in Leeds over new contracts

Asda workers have gathered in Leeds City Centre to protest against a controversial new contract.

Protesters handed in a 23,000 strong petition to the company. The signatures were delivered to Asda's head office in Leeds in a shopping trolley as part of a campaign by the GMB union.

The union says Asda workers have been told to sign new contracts, called contract six, which it claims will see them lose paid breaks and forced to work bank holidays, or be sacked next month.

Gary Carter, GMB national officer said: "Tens of thousands of members of the public are backing our Asda workers in their fight against these draconian contracts.

"Contract six is shocking, the changes are forcing our members to choose between looking after their families, or being able to support them. It's adisgrace.

"Today we are back in the birthplace of Asda, once a proud, family company, calling on bosses to respect workers and offer them a better deal.

Asda said the contract is about increasing the take-home pay of more than 100,000 employees through an investment of more than £80 million and ensuring that everyone doing the same job is on the same terms and conditions.

An Asda spokesman said: