Usdaw is raising concerns at the conference about the cumulative impact of six years of cuts on family incomes and children’s life chances, with projections indicating that rates of child poverty are to increase by up to 50% by 2020.

The Union is also raising global maternal mortality rates. Despite improvements, 33 women an hour still die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers has risen sharply in the UK, with tribunal fees having a devastating impact on access to justice and the ability to challenge unfair treatment at work.

Usdaw has also submitted an emergency motion expressing deep concern about the recent decision by President Trump to deny funding to global health and family planning organisations; if they use money from other donors to provide abortion services, counselling or referrals.

John Hannett - Usdaw General Secretary says: “On International Women’s Day we celebrate women’s contribution to society, family life and workplaces. We also continue our campaigning for more to be done to better support women by tackling discrimination and promoting equality.

“Usdaw is making a difference for its women members in many different ways. Making sure women know their rights is vital and we are committed to giving women clear and accessible information.

“Improving rights at work is also key. Usdaw has been responsible for significant improvements to a wide range of rights at work. Two-thirds of our women members are covered by agreements that have improved family-friendly rights such as time off for family emergencies, better maternity pay, rights for women undergoing fertility treatment and support for adoptive parents.

“Strong trade union organisation is particularly good for women workers. One of the most effective ways to deliver better pay, decent work and fairness for women at work is for employers to recognise and work with trade unions.”

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