The GMB union said Leeds-based supermarket group Asda has announced it will outsource 3,500 its cleaning staff in a move the union has described as “detestable.”
Asda is owned 67.5% by private equity firm TDR Capital, 22.5% by Mohsin Issa, and 10% by Walmart Inc.
“The troubled supermarket giant will now begin the process of moving the cleaner to third party providers Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services,” said the union.
“This will be yet be the latest consultation process Asda has opened in recent months, on top of those in retail and security.”
GMB Organiser Rachelle Wilkins said: “This is detestable behaviour from Asda.
“Outsourcing companies have a proven track record of slashing pay terms, conditions and even jobs as soon as they have their feet under the table.
“Now loyal, hard working cleaning staff will be worried sick about whether their job will still pay the bills or whether the axe will fall on them.
“We asked Asda in April if there was any further planned outsourcing and the company categorically replied ‘no’ – yet here we are in August.
“Morale in stores is already at rock bottom. GMB calls on Asda to halt this process now – at least until the other consultations are finished – and consider what is best for its customers and staff.”