The lobby involves members from across the affiliated trade unions talking to their MPs and is part of the TUC’s ‘autumn of action’ campaign. Usdaw members will be calling for a New Deal for Workers which includes:
- Minimum wage of at least £12 per hour as a step towards £15 for all workers, ending rip-off youth rates.
- 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.
- Proper social security system, Universal Credit does not provide an effective safety net.
- Job security, with day one employment rights for unfair dismissal and significant improvements to redundancy protections.
- Fair treatment and equality for all workers, including equal pay.
- Voice at work, stop rogue employers refusing to engage with trade unions and end ‘fire and rehire’.
Paddy Lillis says – Usdaw General Secretary says: “The scale of chaos in Government and the very real impact it is having on working people is simply too much to be tolerated. We now face the prospect of a Budget that will punish those who are already struggling to make ends meet in a cost living crisis, for the horrendous failings of a Conservative Government. It is clear we can’t go on like this, we need a general election now.
“Usdaw members are rightly outraged by the arrogance of the Conservatives, who think they can change leaders and policies without going to the country. Only a general election and a Labour Government will deliver sound economics and a new deal for workers that will make a positive difference to their lives.
“In the midst of a cost of living crisis caused by twelve years of Conservatives in government, Keir Starmer has shown that he is a Prime Minister in waiting. Someone who will deliver for workers, grow the economy and raise living standards for everyone, not just a privileged few. Only a Labour Government can put Britain back on track.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
Labour’s New Deal for Workers: www.usdaw.org.uk/LaboursNDW
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion