Asda is “listening” to its employees’ protests regarding its proposed pension cuts, it has been revealed.

According to trade union Usdaw that is representing Asda staff, the company has “listened to representations and said they understood the strength of feeling”.

Usdaw met with Asda bosses urging them to acknowledge more than 2,000 staff in Northern Ireland who have signed a petition opposing the company’s cuts to the pension scheme.

Usdaw area organiser Michala Lafferty said: “Usdaw is the trade union for Asda staff in Northern Ireland and we met with the company to feedback how angry our members are. They are outraged by the company’s proposals, demonstrated by the comments which have been given direct to the company and those who have signed the petition now passing 2,000 signatures and growing.”

The union noted that Asda is to continue to assess all feedback received from the 60 day consultation that is to close on 3 March. “. So Usdaw’s campaign continues and we urge all staff opposed to the pension cuts to make sure they sign our petition,” Lafferty added.

At present, Asda’s proposed pension changes will see the company no longer matching staff pension contributions therefore paying less into the scheme, the reduction of the death in service provision to one times pay from four times pay and employees having less choice about their saving for retirement.

“Usdaw believes that to worsen the current terms and conditions of the scheme is unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary. Pensions are not a bonus or gift – they are based on earnings and are effectively deferred wages, so these proposals amount to nothing more than a wage cut,” Lafferty concluded.

An Asda spokesperson said in January: “We are currently consulting with our colleagues on proposals to amend our pensions scheme. We are taking all comments and feedback on these proposals seriously before any final decisions are made.”

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