Usdaw is quids in at Poundland

Trade union Usdaw has already recruited almost one-third of Poundland's workforce as members – less than a year after signing a recognition agreement with the retail company.

The efforts of an active team of union reps and officials, coupled with Poundland's supportive approach towards union membership, has reaped impressive rewards for Usdaw. About 900 of Poundland's 3,000 staff are now members of Usdaw, the UK's biggest union for shopworkers.

The scope for further recruitment broadens as the single-price retailer continues an expansion programme, with new stores opening across England, Wales and Scotland.

An agreement signed in October 2003 gives Usdaw the rights to negotiate pay, hours, holidays and other benefits on behalf of all Poundland employees in both retail and distribution sites. Usdaw is also working with Poundland on Lifelong Learning opportunities offered to workers.

Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw National Officer with responsibility for Poundland, said: "More and more Poundland employees are recognising the benefits of union recognition. Usdaw already has around 900 members within a year of entering into the agreement with Poundland.

"The agreement is working well, with Poundland clearly showing a strong commitment towards its employees. The company is looking to expand its operations and so are we."

Notes to Editors:

• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth largest union with over 335,000 members. It is the biggest union for shopworkers and also has significant numbers of members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing and other industries.

• Usdaw's current membership rates are among the lowest of all trade unions, at £1.80 per week for full-time workers and £1.16 per week for part-time workers. More information about Usdaw and the services it provides for members is available from the union’s web site www.usdaw.org.uk

• Poundland, which has its head office in Willenhall, West Midlands, has more than 100 stores in England, Wales and Scotland. Following a management buy-out in 2002, Poundland accelerated an expansion programme and has opened many new stores this year (including at Crawley, Dudley, Kidderminster, Dumbarton, Ellesmere Port, Northfield, Edmonton Green, Romford and Wolverhampton). In August, new store openings are planned for Yeovil, Blackpool, Watford and Cumbernauld. For a full store list visit www.poundland.com

• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.

• Journalists can subscribe to receive Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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