Usdaw represents around 40,000 Sainsbury’s and Argos workers, the vast majority of whom have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the nation fed. The deal includes a plan to pay bonuses, but Usdaw wants to see investment in the hourly rate, not least because of the impact of irregular payments on those who are in receipt of in-work benefits.
 
Dave Gill - Usdaw National Officer says: “Over the last year, Sainsbury’s staff have worked throughout pandemic to keep the nation fed, facing increased abuse from customers and worrying about catching Covid-19. As key workers delivering an essential service, they deserve much better than the additional 20p per hour on offer, particularly after only receiving a 1.3% increase last year.
 
“The deal offers a higher increase for Argos workers of around 6%, which is welcome, but they also deserve better. Most Argos staff also worked throughout the pandemic, with many being redeployed into Sainsbury’s stores supporting the food retail side of the business.
 
“Providing small bonuses to staff will affect payments of Universal Credit and working tax credits that many staff rely on. Instead of bonuses, Sainsbury’s should at least match the Usdaw/Morrisons deal and give their staff the proper pay rise they deserve.” 
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
Usdaw’s New Deal for Workers campaign: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/A-New-Deal-for-Workers
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion