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Network Journal 2007 Issue 6 Nov/Dec |
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Retail Trades Conference 2007: General Secretary
Most people outside of the retail sector don’t appreciate that with a turnover of £256bn, and a workforce numbering almost three million the industry provides good jobs and careers and is a key part of the British economy, general secretary John Hannett told conference.
"Retail is nothing if it's not dynamic and we've seen what happens to companies when they stand still - they go out of business. That's why usdaw is determined to keep its eye on the ball and ensure we are relevant to today's workers and tomorrow's members.
"We have to have a vision and a strategy and a structure which allows us to support our reps and give our members the best possible service. Membership is at its highest since 1990, but in our heyday in the late '70s we had almost half a million members.
"We have invested heavily in our campaigns, in our Academy, in stand-down reps and in staff training. These are big commitments but prove as a union we are not prepared to stand still and like retail we will be as innovative and dynamic as the companies we deal with to ensure our members are protected and their terms and conditions improved.
"I'm proud that our Check out Learning campaign will give our retail members the second chance they deserve because many of us missed out at school first time around.
"It's credit to our learner reps and project workers that our members will be given the chance to fulfill their potential, grow as individuals and improve their career opportunities.
"Usdaw is passionate about the learning agenda. It will give us a bigger pool of confident reps and ensure we go from strength to strength."
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