John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: “I wish the delegates a successful and productive conference and I hope they are able to support our two propositions.
“Racism remains a defining feature of far too many black workers lives. However for some this comes as a surprise partly because the day to day reality of racism has become secret or is hidden. Many people believe the law has addressed racism and employers believe their own policies and procedures have driven it out of the workplace.
“Unions have a crucial role to play in tackling racism and prejudice at work and in society. So we are calling on delegates to support the STUC in organising a collective response to racism, which would include fostering links with campaigning organisations and communities to build a broad coalition against racism and xenophobia.
“Security of employment and income is a key aspiration of all workers and trade unions and we are raising a deep concern that black workers are more likely to be in temporary and insecure work. Job security is particularly important for workers in low paid jobs. Security at work matters not just to workers and their families but to the economy. Scotland has seen a substantial growth in no guaranteed hours contracts. Low or no guaranteed hours work is not in the best interests of our members and that the burden of risk disproportionately falls on workers.”
Usdaw’s proposition on job security is asking the conference to support the following policies:
- A ban on mandatory zero-hours contracts.
- All workers to have the same rights as employees unless they are genuinely self-employed.
- The right to a written statement of terms and conditions from day one.
- An end to the pay penalty for agency workers.
- Stronger rights for trade unions to access to all workplaces.
- Challenge the view that unconscious bias training is the solution.
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 20% in the 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.
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