Speaking at the annual Trade Union Congress in Brighton,
John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary said: “The National Living Wage rate of £7.20 has provided an increase for some of the lowest paid workers, but this alone will not end the scourge of in-work poverty and it will not restore a decade of lost wages. It is cold comfort for workers on insecure and short hours contracts, to families who face cuts to their benefits and to the thousands of young people who will not benefit from it at all.
“The so-called National Living Wage is not the real Living Wage, which is more than a pound ahead of the Government rate and more than two pounds ahead in London because it is based on the income needed for a decent standard of living.
“A real Living Wage for all workers is our objective, but improving hourly rates alone is not enough. We need to look at all aspects of the pay package and availability of hours, to get workers the best possible deal. So we must negotiate strong bargaining structures and campaign for better trade union rights; giving every worker a voice, in every workplace.
“The National Living Wage also falls short by excluding under-25s. Usdaw has negotiated the removal of youth rates, because it is fundamentally unfair to pay young workers less. All workers must stand together to make it clear that we will not allow young people to be left further behind.
“It was claimed that the National Living Wage would lead to job losses, but the Resolution Foundation's survey of employers showed no evidence of this. We need to address the misinformation; employers must not be allowed to blame higher wages for every job loss, every cut in hours and every change to terms and conditions.
“The National Living Wage is a step forward in the fight against low pay, but it is just that – a step. If we are to eradicate poverty wages then we need: Stronger collective bargaining agreements; every workplace organised, and an enforcement regime that is focussed and properly resourced.”
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 430,000 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
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