Usdaw calls for โproperโ staff representation amid M&S store closures threat
Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has renewed its call for recognition as the union for M&S staff, after the companyโs chairman โrefused to rule out further store closures and job lossesโ. ย ย ย ย ย ย
The group urged M&S management to abandon its โlong-held resistanceโ to allowing Usdaw to represent the staff, and said โit is simply unjustโ that the company have made the decision to not engage with a trade union.
Archie Norman told shareholders yesterday that โthis business is on a burning platformโ, and went on to add that he felt the companyโs vast portfolio of stores had become a โdragโ on its development.
Usdaw national officer Dave Gill said M&S management are not treating their staff with the โdignity and respect they deserveโ. He added there is a โclear breakdownโ in communications, and staff are not being โproperly consultedโ on the future of their jobs.
Gills added: โThis remark at the AGM only makes matters worse, this is no way to treat staff. Usdaw has thousands of members working for Marks & Spencer and the staff now need, more than ever, the representation and support of an independent trade union. The staff are telling us they want Usdaw to represent them, it should be their choice.โ