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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 3 |
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Time to look forward not back
By John Hannett, General Secretary
I’m pleased Labour won the election, it’s good news for our members and I believe it’s good news for the country.
We have worked closely with the Labour Government in the past and we'll be doing the same in the future. It is an approach which has paid off - a national minimum wage, working tax credits, a ban on Christmas Day trading and a sound, stable economy to name but a few real benefits.
If anyone was in any doubt that having a Labour Government is no better for Usdaw members then the recent announcement to crack down on anti-social and 'yobbish' behaviour should dispel that idea.
The latest Government pledge to tackle the problem of gang culture fits in perfectly with our Freedom From Fear campaign. Our members and the shopping public know that gangs of youths hanging around convenience stores and shopping centres do intimidate people. Whether that's intentional or not doesn't matter.
The fear of crime is very real and we support the government in its worthy attempt to do something about it. This is not about demonising young people - far from it. The vast majority are law abiding and a credit to themselves and their families, but we can't let the minority spoil it for the majority.
Now the election is behind us we can look forward with confidence. Our new and third batch of Academy trainees have just started their six month secondment and I'm sure they will be a big asset to the union.
Our Supporting Parents and Carers campaign is going from strength to strength with two special spotlight days coming up on June 14 (carers) and September 7 (parents). Don't forget - our award winning Freedom From Fear campaign will again hit the headlines as part of our annual Respect For Shopworkers Day on July 13.
Finally, our Annual Delegate Meeting once again showed Usdaw members at their very best - united, compassionate and determined to win a better deal for our membership across a whole range of sectors.
This was both mine and deputy paddy Lillis's first ADM in our new positions. I want to thank all the delegates and visitors for their support during the week in Blackpool.
I also want to place on record my appreciation for all the hard work they put in - not only during ADM - but throughout the year. Without our army of activists we would not be the strong, confident union we are today.
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