Joanne McGuinness – Usdaw National Officer says: “For some time we have been talking to Morrisons about taking retail staff to £10 an hour, as we call for in our New Deal for Workers campaign. So I am delighted that we have agreed a rise that achieves that goal and takes staff well beyond the real living wage.
“The new consolidated hourly rate is now the leading rate of the major supermarkets, which is paid every hour and removes the uncertainty of a bonus payment. It is a big step forward, shows that the company are prepared to invest in the staff to help grow the business and I hope that the deal is supported by our members in the ballot.
“It’s been a tough time for food retail staff who have worked throughout the pandemic in difficult circumstances. They provide the essential service of keeping the nation fed and deserve our support, respect and appreciation. Most of all they deserve decent pay and this offer is a welcome boost.”
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.
Morrisons pay ballot will open on 27 January, close on 7 February and the result will be announced on 12 February. If accepted the new rates will be paid from 5 April 2021.
Usdaw’s New Deal for Workers calls for:
- £10 minimum wage for all workers, ending rip-off youth rates and providing a living wage.
- Minimum contract of 16 hours per week, for everyone who wants it, that reflects normal hours worked and a ban on zero-hour contracts.
- Better sick pay for all workers, from day one, at average earnings.
- Protection at work – respect for shopworkers, abuse is not a part of the job.
- A proper social security system, Universal Credit does not provide a safety net.
- Job security, with day one employment rights for unfair dismissal and redundancy.
- Fair treatment and equality for all workers, including equal pay.
- A voice at work, stop rogue employers refusing to engage with trade unions.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion