New Year message from Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “For the first time since I became general secretary, I can look forward to a year where I will be working with a government committed to improving the lives of our members. Labour’s victory last year was the fundamental change we needed and Usdaw now has the opportunity to see our campaigns turn into action after years of being ignored by the Tories.

“The vast majority of our members are key workers in the grocery and pharmaceutical retail, distribution and manufacturing industries, working hard all year round to keep our communities fed and healthy. Like all workers, they deserve the dignity of decent wages, the security of excellent employment rights and respect with an end to abuse, threats and violence.

“Labour is delivering on these key issues with an Employment Rights Bill to improve workers’ rights and help achieve a fairer deal at work with more secure contracts. The Crime and Policing Bill will tackle theft from shops and anti-social behaviour, while providing additional protections for workers facing violence, threats and abuse. Labour has mandated the Low Pay Commission to deliver a real living wage and end rip-off youth rates, we look forward to making progress on that in 2025.

“Usdaw’s workplace reps do a brilliant job of supporting our members, providing crucial representation and dealing with many difficult workplace issues, we will continue to support and recognise their important role in our union. We will also keep building a stronger union movement to win decent work, fair pay and dignity for all workers. Solidarity and best wishes for 2025.”