Network Journal 2007 Issue 3 May/June

Show your Respect on July 11

Usdaw reps and activists are being urged to get right behind this year’s Respect Day which aims to raise awareness of the violence and abuse shopworkers face on a daily basis.

It is part of Usdaw's award winning Freedom From Fear campaign. General secretary John Hannett will be leading the day's events which will take place right across the union's seven divisions.

"Last year more than 10,000 shopworkers were physically attacked," he said. "There were also 62,000 incidents of verbal abuse. That's 72,000 too many incidents. Our members deserve to go to work free from the fear of attack or threats or abuse.

"Since we launched our Freedom From Fear campaign we have had some notable successes with a number of employers.

"Tesco and the Co-op display zero-tolerance posters in their stores. Morrisons have agreed a safety at work policy with us and the Co-op Group introduced a special training course for all managers and staff on how to minimise the risks.

"When union members have been attacked we have offered them expert assistance through our Legal Plus service and recovered millions of pounds in compensation over the years for victims of violence.

"We also have a wealth of material on how to stay safe at work.

"We want all members to get on board for Respect Day on July 11, lobby their MPs and speak to the public on this vital issue."

What you can do

• A reps survey which will help gather evidence on your experiences.
• A members survey to find out what life is like for shopfloor workers.
• Advice on how to organise a street/store stall with an order form for campaign material.
• Information on how to lobby your local MP, or in Scotland your MSP, Wales your AM or Northern Ireland your MLA, and get them, along with the local council and police, involved in issues like anti-social behaviour.

For more information on how to make the most of Respect Day contact:

Acting political officer David Williams on 0161 224 2804 or usdawforlabour@usdaw.org.uk

Or for advice on safety issues contact health and safety officer Doug Russell 0161 224 2804 or healthandsafety@usdaw.org.uk

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