Asda Faces £1.2 Billion Equal Pay Claim as Workers Celebrate Tribunal Ruling

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Thousands of Asda workers have struck a significant blow in a decade-long equal pay case, with a Manchester employment tribunal ruling that 12 of 14 lead claimants, primarily female shop staff, hold roles of equal value to their predominantly male warehouse counterparts. The GMB union hailed this decision as a crucial step towards justice, potentially costing the supermarket £1.2 billion in back pay, as reported by Sarah Butler of The Guardian.

The claim, which encompasses approximately 60,000 female employees, highlights that these workers earn up to £3.74 less per hour than their male colleagues. The ruling determined that positions such as checkout operators and shop floor assistants in various departments carry equal value to certain warehouse jobs, while two roles—online shopping packers and specific store workers—were found not to be equal, affecting around 11,000 claimants.

Nadine Houghton, national officer for the GMB, urged Asda to settle the matter, criticizing the company's ongoing court battle. An Asda spokesperson, however, insisted on contesting the claims, asserting that pay structures differ significantly between retail and distribution sectors.

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