Network Journal 2006 Issue 4 Nov/Dec

Usdaw – the campaigning union

There was a new look and feel to the Retail Trades Conference this year, the second biggest event in the union’s calendar. More than 100 delegates and officials took a close look at how the union campaigns.

John Hannett with the Tesco poster

Usdaw's progress this year has been built on campaigns which have won important improvements for members, said general secretary John Hannett in his keynote speech to the conference held at Warrington in October.

"We are a campaigning union with an excellent track record," he said. "Our Freedom From Fear campaign has put the issue of violence and abuse against staff right at the forefront of the debate.

"We have managed to get most big retailers on board and most recently Tesco has agreed to display posters in their stores reminding customers to show staff respect.

"Our negotiators have worked hard to ensure the Supporting Parents and Carers campaign has improved the work/life balance for members.

"This has helped build on our reputation as a union that delivers not only with employers, but also with government.

"Our most recent and high profile victory to Save Our Sundays was highly effective because our members, reps and officials worked together to ensure the Government listened to the genuine concerns of our members.

"We changed the Government's mind despite pressure from many of the big retailers, and we won. It was a total victory that will have a real impact on the working lives of the vast majority of our members.

"That's why campaigns are important. We need to continue with this work to make sure that we enhance our reputation as Britain's best and most effective campaigning union.

"Our agreements with employers continue to be strong. And we are growing our membership and supporting our members in companies like M&S and MFI where although we don't have formal agreements, we are striving to make sure those members can enjoy the protection and benefits that most of us take for granted."

The two-day event attracted reps from across retail who split up into work groups to analyse specific campaigns.

Teams worked on slogans and put forward suggestions and practical ideas on how to organise and run campaigns in their own workplaces, divisions and nationally.

Delegates also debated and voted on a number of propositions. Topics included security at Co-operative retail stores, unsocial hours payments at Morrisons, holiday entitlement at Tesco, contracted hours at Sainsbury's and the legislation around the Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment.

"This conference has changed significantly over the last few years," added John Hannett. "The current format gives delegates the chance to make a bigger contribution, ask questions and take a close look at how we can improve. It works much better now."

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