Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says: “We wholeheartedly congratulate David on his appointment. There are many challenges facing the labour and trade union movement but David’s campaigning experience and proven track record is a significant boost to our collective efforts.

“This Coronavirus emergency has highlighted the key role that many low-paid and traditionally undervalued workers have in delivering essential services that keep our communities fed, safe and well. Our members need a new deal on pay, secure employment, respect and safety at work. We know that can only be delivered by Labour in government.

“We must hold this Government to account and build the foundation needed to elect that Labour Government. I have every confidence that David will play a crucial role in this, supporting Labour’s leadership team of Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner and growing the organisational capacity of the Labour Party.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. 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