Union raises concerns over new weekend working expectations for hourly paid staff
Asda is facing criticism from GMB Union after proposed shift changes at stores across the North West prompted warnings that the supermarket could create a “two-tier workforce” between hourly paid employees and salaried staff.
The union said the retailer has begun requiring some hourly paid workers to work both Saturday and Sunday shifts, marking a significant departure from long-standing weekend working arrangements within the business.
Traditionally, Asda employees were expected to work one day during the weekend. GMB argues the move to compulsory work across both weekend days could place additional pressure on workers already balancing family commitments and caring responsibilities.
The dispute highlights wider tensions within the UK retail sector, where supermarkets continue to face operational challenges linked to staffing flexibility, labour costs and changing consumer shopping patterns.
Concerns over fairness and workplace conditions
Union says changes could deepen divide between staff groups
According to GMB, the revised arrangements risk creating unequal expectations between hourly paid staff and salaried colleagues.
The union claims salaried employees are not routinely expected to work both weekend days and, when required to do so, receive additional compensation.
GMB Organiser Shaun Buckley criticised the policy and warned it could negatively affect staff morale and retention across affected stores.
“We are extremely concerned by ASDA’s decision to force hourly paid staff to work both Saturday and Sunday,” Buckley said.
“Our members already provide flexibility to keep stores running.
“But this change ignores family life and caring responsibilities and risks creating a two-tier workforce.
“Some workers are now wondering if they can carry on working for Asda under these conditions.
“GMB will be challenging this decision and urges affected members to contact their rep or regional office.”
The comments underline growing union concerns over working conditions in the retail industry, particularly around scheduling flexibility and employee wellbeing.
Retail sector faces increasing workforce pressures
Weekend staffing remains a challenge for supermarkets
The disagreement comes at a time when major UK supermarkets are under continued pressure to maintain staffing levels while responding to rising operating costs and evolving shopping habits.
Weekend trading remains one of the busiest periods for supermarkets, with retailers increasingly relying on flexible staffing models to maintain customer service standards.
However, unions have argued that expanding weekend requirements without additional incentives risks increasing dissatisfaction among frontline workers, particularly those with childcare responsibilities or limited flexibility outside contracted hours.
Labour relations have become an increasingly important issue across the grocery sector in recent years, with disputes over pay, scheduling and workplace conditions affecting several major retailers.
For Asda, the latest criticism adds to wider scrutiny surrounding workforce management and operational restructuring as the company continues to navigate a highly competitive retail environment.
Potential impact on staff retention
Workers reportedly reconsidering future employment
GMB warned that some employees are already questioning whether they can continue working under the revised arrangements.
Retail analysts have repeatedly highlighted staff retention as a key challenge for supermarkets, particularly in customer-facing roles where recruitment pressures remain high.
The union’s intervention suggests the issue could escalate further if workers believe scheduling expectations are being applied unevenly across different employment groups.
While Asda has not publicly responded to the union’s latest comments, the dispute is expected to place additional focus on employment practices within the supermarket sector, particularly around work-life balance and equitable treatment of staff.
The outcome of discussions between the retailer and union representatives may also be closely watched by workers across the wider grocery industry, where similar operational pressures continue to shape staffing policies.
GMB said it would continue challenging the decision and encouraged affected members to seek support through workplace representatives or regional offices.
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