Over 1,300 delegates, visitors and officials from across the UK will be attending to debate and vote on propositions from lay-member branches and statements from Usdaw’s Executive Council on key issues like:
- The Tory attacks on trade unions.
- Rights at work, pay and conditions of employment.
- Working carers under pressure.
- Equalities, general industrial and political policy.
- The European Union Referendum.
This year Usdaw celebrates its 125th anniversary. 1891-2016: 125 years strong. The Manchester and District Co-operative Employees Association was formed in 1891; separately but in the same year 11 shop assistants’ organisations from cities across the country combined to form the National Union of Shop Assistants. Ultimately these and other organisations came together to form Usdaw and today we are stronger than ever, as we strive to improve workers’ live and win for our members.
John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: "Our Annual Delegate meeting is effectively the union’s parliament and provides lay-members with the opportunity to raise their issues of concern and make our policy.
"This year we have a packed agenda and it is clear from the issues raised that members are very concerned about a Conservative government continually hitting the lowest paid workers the hardest. Incomes have been under attack with cuts in tax credits and the threat of Universal Credit is a ticking time bomb for any working families. Our members are severely impacted by cuts in services they rely on and mounting pressure on the NHS impacts on everyone.
"Whilst we reflect on a 125 year history we are also looking to the future. Issues that affect young workers will feature highly, including under-25s being excluded from the National Living Wage, the lack of affordable housing, cuts in education and lifelong learning services and a call for action to help young people suffering with depression and other mental health issues.
"As part of our anniversary celebrations Usdaw members are raising money for the charity MENCAP, who do so much great work to provide information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers.
"We look forward to a lively and informed debate on the core issues affecting the lives of working people and their families."
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion