Amid the 2024 election, Usdaw is emphasising the urgent need for policies safeguarding shopworkers.
- Usdaw’s general secretary outlines key priorities, urging reforms for economic fairness.
- A specific call has been made for legal protection against workplace abuse and assault.
- Usdaw is campaigning for enhanced pay and secure work conditions for retail employees.
- The union insists on governmental cooperation to revitalise high streets and communities.
The approaching 2024 election sees Usdaw, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, fervently advocating for the rights and protection of shopworkers across the UK. Usdaw’s agenda seeks to highlight the pressing issues facing retail employees, who are crucial to the industry yet often overlooked in policy-making.
Usdaw’s general secretary, Paddy Lillis, has articulated a compelling case for reforms, targeting a transformation in the economic landscape. He calls for a fundamental review of business rates to create equitable conditions between online and physical stores, alongside tax reforms to combat avoidance and evasion. Lillis stresses the importance of providing local authorities with sufficient funding to support community investments.
Another critical area of focus for Usdaw is securing better pay and work conditions for retail staff. The union is pushing for the adoption of a genuine living wage that reflects actual living costs, an end to youth rates, and the abolishment of exploitative zero-hours contracts. There’s also an emphasis on enhancing sick pay provisions to ensure that employees can recover without financial strain.
Moreover, Usdaw demands freedom from the fear of workplace abuse for shopworkers. The union advocates for legislation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that mirrors existing Scottish laws, making the abuse or assault of shopworkers a standalone offence. Lillis underscores the necessity of involving politicians and law enforcement in crime prevention strategies.
These proposals are part of Usdaw’s broader vision to secure a collaborative future between retailers, employees, and communities. As Lillis asserts, only by uniting can the industry address the substantial challenges it faces, from store closures to employment uncertainties – challenges his union is determined to tackle head-on.
Usdaw’s initiative calls for decisive action to protect shopworkers, ensuring a sustainable and fair retail environment.
