The motion stated that far more needs to be done by employers and government to prevent assaults and support workers, asserted that assaults should never be considered ‘part of the job’ and called for an action plan to support affiliates in their campaigning against workplace assaults.
Addressing the conference, Usdaw delegate Joe Gosling said: “Survey evidence from Usdaw shows that over half of retail workers were threatened last year and one in ten were physically assaulted. I am proud that my union, Usdaw, has been campaigning to protect retail workers for over 20 years. Next year, through the Crime and Policing Bill, Labour will deliver a specific offence of assaulting a shop worker in England and Wales, building on protections already in place in Scotland.
“I’m a home delivery driver, working on my own, and was punched in the face. My colleague was a victim of an armed robbery when out on the road. I spoke to a supermarket worker who had a machete pulled on them simply as a result of asking a customer for age ID. While abusers appear to get off scot-free, the worker is left to deal with not just the physical consequences of an assault, but also the significant mental health consequences when trying to return to work. Returning to the scene of the assault, fearful that the next interaction with a customer could result in a further attack, constantly worried and never able to relax.
“This is unacceptable and we need to see change. Our economy relies on the contribution of millions of essential public-facing workers and they deserve recognition for these essential roles. Recognition that starts with significant action to stop the epidemic of abuse and violence.”
Speaking after the debate, Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “We thank RMT for raising this issue, Joe for bringing his very real experiences to the debate and Congress delegates for their unanimous support. Abuse of workers cuts across many sectors, with around 80% of employees being in public-facing roles, and regrettably it seems to be a growing problem across the board.
“Usdaw will continue to campaign for workers to get the respect they deserve. We welcome that one of Labour’s first acts was to introduce legislation to protect shop staff. We also look forward to Government investment in more community police officers to help make our shops, high streets and communities safer.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
TUC Motion 20 - Action against assaults on public-facing workers
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