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Network Journal 2007 Issue 6 Nov/Dec |
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Retail Trades Conference 2007: Deputy General Secretary
The retail sector now makes up 76 per cent of Usdaw’s membership, an 11 per cent increase since 1997, deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis told delegates.
"So far this year we have added 15,000 new members compared to 7,000 for the same period last year," he said. "That's the thirteenth consecutive year-on-year growth and means we now have 270,000 retail workers in membership.
"This has not been our only success. Wage deals are half a per cent higher than the average settlement with an additional range of improvements to enhance the employment package.
"Our organising agenda has been a real success story with our Academy organising officers making a significant contribution to membership levels and more importantly to the increasing number of new reps.
"Our targeted campaigns have worked very well, particularly in Sainsbury's where we signed up 50 per cent more members this year than last which underlines just how well we are establishing an organising culture across the sector.
"However we still face major challenges. The Kwik Save debacle was a disgrace and Usdaw will be pressing the government to offer more protection to workers when companies go bust.
"Non-members in the sector continue to hinder our progress. In the big four, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and the Co-ops, there are more than 300,000 non-members. Our reps have done a fantastic job this year but there is still massive potential for growth in the retail industry.
"We have set ourselves ambitious but realistic targets for next year. We will harness all of our energies to build Usdaw and maintain its place as the fastest growing union in the UK."
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