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Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 2 March April |
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Standing up for you at work
By John Hannett, General Secretary
The biggest event in the union's calendar - the Annual Delegate Meeting (ADM) - is only weeks away. This massive event allows members from across the UK to decide the union's policies and priorities.
This four day conference will see all of the important issues debated and voted upon. These will then be taken forward giving Usdaw added impetus for the next 12 months.
The ADM is a fine example of democracy at work because at its heart is the determination to engage as many members as possible and put their concerns to employers and in some instances to the Government.
Many of our campaigns have come from our members speaking up at the ADM. That's why they are so successful, because they're rooted in our members' experience and have an authenticity about them which working people across the UK can identify with.
Sunday trading will have a high profile at this year's ADM.
The employers' push to change the current legislation beyond the six hour limit is gathering pace. More importantly, so is our campaign to Save Our Sundays.
We held a very successful parliamentary event in March where dozens of MPs turned up to support our drive to keep the six hour limit.
We were also joined by two shopworkers Debbie Davidson and Heather Morris from Exeter who told the MPs about the realities of Sunday working.
Debbie and Heather reminded everyone that although the store may open and close at certain times the preparation and finishing work goes on before and after. Staff who work on Sundays don't just work six hours, it's more likely to be eight to ten hours especially if public transport is needed. Imagine what extending the opening hours will do for these workers.
I'd like to thank Debbie and Heather and all of the MPs for their support at Westminster. You'll be seeing a lot more of this campaign in the months ahead.
There's plenty going on across all Usdaw sectors whether that's companies being bought or sold, restructured or changing their pension arrangements.
Pensions in particular are affecting all workers no matter where they work. Usdaw is determined to be part of this vital debate. We have been awarded a grant to help inform our members on this issue and once again we will be holding a pensions conference in July this year.
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