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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 3 |
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Union's campaign attracts more members
Usdaw membership and the prospect of an independent voice for staff at Marks and Spencer has attracted widespread interest among the company’s workforce.
Poor morale and a harsher working environment have upset thousands of workers at the High Street giant's chain of shops who are increasingly turning to Usdaw for advice, help and support.
Simon Benyon and Patricia Page from the St. Helens and Handforth Dean stores respectively, both in the North West, have signed up to Usdaw after they became disheartened by their employer's decision to cut premium pay rates and other terms and conditions. "Many staff have left over the last 18 months," said Patricia, who is £300 worse off after changes to her contract. "Staff feel let down and we don't feel as if we are being listened to. The in-house forum just isn't working."
Simon agreed. "When I talk to other staff it's clear they are unhappy," he said. "I'm hopeful the campaign can win over many more M&S staff into Usdaw. We're not disloyal. We both love our job but it seems the staff are having to pay for mistakes made by those at the very top."
Both Simon and Patricia were at the ADM and received a very warm welcome from conference. "ADM was great," said Patricia. "It brought it home to me and Simon that this union isn't about strikes and conflict but trying to sort out problems for ordinary hard-working members."
- If you know anyone who works at M&S tell them about Usdaw's campaign and refer them to the Marks & Spencer section on our web site: www.union4marks.org.
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