Jon Cruddas MP urges PM to take action and defend Sainsbury's staff

timestamp
Jon Cruddas MP urges PM to take action and defend Sainsbury's staff

This week Jon Cruddas MP was one of over 100 MPs that co-signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging action on the ?unscrupulous contract changes' announced by Sainsbury's in March. The changes being proposed would see some employees receive a welcome pay rise, whilst 10 per cent of staff would suffer a staggering loss in wages of up to £3,000 per year.

This isn't the only recent example of large companies diluting terms and conditions. Last week Jon Cruddas MP visited the picket line at Tesco's Dagenham distribution centre where members of USDAW (the shop workers union) were on strike over a pay dispute.

Jon said: "workers at the Dagenham distribution centre are being paid £1.39 an hour less than their comrades 10 minutes down the road in Thurrock. It just isn't good enough and I fully supported their decision to take strike action."

The letter to Theresa May regarding Sainsbury's comes after a petition was launched by one of the shopfloor workers calling on Sainsbury's to reconsider their decision. The petition has attracted over 100,000 signatures so far and you can add your name HERE

It is estimated that around 13,000 employees will be hit in a negative way by the changes. The impact of which will mean:

    • Staff working unsociable hours will see earnings slashed.
    • Staff will no longer receive paid 15-30 minute breaks.
    • Staff will lose their annual bonuses.
    • Staff will no longer get premium pay on Sundays.
    • Staff working nights will only receive night pay between 12am-5am.

Jon Cruddas MP commented: "a fair wage for a day's work is the very least that hardworking, loyal staff deserve. I am completely dismayed that a well-respected company such as Sainsbury's would use smoke and mirror tactics like this ? introducing a basic pay rise whilst watering down terms and conditions which will see a drop in real-term wages."

Trade unions are currently engaged in talks with Sainsbury's on behalf of their members, but it has been alleged by staff that if the changes are not accepted by September it could result in job losses.

Jon added: "these deplorable decisions are leaving many concerned that they cannot afford to stay in jobs that they love. Longstanding staff are being asked to work for less and morale is at an all-time low. I am imploring people to get behind the workers in solidarity, and along with my colleagues in Parliament I am calling for action from Theresa May to support workers' rights."

You can add your name to the petition HERE