Tracy Gilbert – Usdaw’s Deputy Divisional Officer in Scotland says: “Lidl has finally responded to our reasonable requests for initial talks about recognising Usdaw as the union for Lidl staff, with a firm ‘thanks, but no thanks’. They have told us that the company has chosen ‘not to formally recognise trade unions’. It is very is unfair that the choice of staff to be represented by a trade union is being denied by a choice the company has taken.

“Lidl believe they have no issues to address and their existing direct communications to staff are sufficient without the input of an independent trade union. That is not what the staff are telling us. They welcome Usdaw campaigners at their workplaces, want the union to be recognised and they don’t feel they are able to raise concerns with management for fear of repercussions.”

Neil Findlay MSP says: “Trade unions work constructively with employers to create a better environment for workers and businesses alike.

“Lidl’s refusal to recognise Usdaw at Livingston is a message to the public that they do not want that kind of positive relationship with their staff. I am here today with Usdaw to meet workers at the distribution centre and to encourage them to sign up to membership of Usdaw. We know that unionised workplaces are safer, more productive and happy – this is good for employees and the well-being of the company they work for.

“Lidl are a company that makes huge profits off the back of working people spending in their shops.  If they want to be seen as a good employer then they should have nothing to fear from engaging with trade unions - Lidl need to sit down with Usdaw and negotiate a recognition agreement.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over 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.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion