David Gill – Usdaw National Officer says: “We have been contacted by many of our members in Marks and Spencer who are very concerned about the proposed big changes to their pay and pension, along with the threat of Autumn store closures. Particularly as the company are threatening to sack any staff who do not accept the contractual changes.
“Usdaw is the independent trade union for M&S staff and we urge the company to get round the table and engage with us. Whilst we urge staff to continue to raise their concerns with the company’s staff association, the BIG Group; it is clear that management is not listening to the strength of feeling that members have around the proposals.
“M&S staff need a voice and it is inadequate to rely on feedback from a company organised staff association when Usdaw is the independent trade union. We are providing the support and advice that our members require at this time of uncertainty.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 440,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion