The union is seeking better protections for workers regarding the introduction of new technology and automation in their workplaces and better access to training.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “We are deeply concerned by the growing challenges facing working people across Wales. A critical challenge in the workplace is the development and introduction of new technology and automation.
“Automation is a particular issue for Wales as the Covid pandemic has accelerated the introduction of technology across industries such as retail, warehousing and manufacturing. This is resulting in job insecurity and a requirement for retraining across affected sectors. An estimated nine in ten employees in the UK will need to retrain by 2030.
“We need a new deal for workers based on comprehensive skills training, strengthening trade union rights and high quality, secure employment. At the moment it is too easy and too cheap for employers to make workers redundant as a result of the introduction of automation systems; this needs to change.”
Usdaw is calling on the Welsh Labour Party to commit to:
- A more flexible, agile and responsive skills system to ensure the right qualifications are delivered in apprenticeships and skills training more broadly.
- Promoting the positive benefits of workforce planning between unions and employers, including the role of unions and the Wales Union Learning Fund.
- Developing robust sectoral plans to support skills development across Wales, with a focus on automation, technology and green jobs on the path to net zero.
- Promoting positive action to tackle under-representation, calling on employers to report their actions to promote inclusive training and skills provisions.
- Supporting a legal right to paid time off for retraining to encourage greater digital skills, reduce barriers and widen participation.
- Promoting the new Retail Forum to help support the existing workforce and attract new talent into the sector.
- Ensuring all Regional Skills Partnerships engage with trade unions to secure future priorities within each region.
- Supporting a legal requirement for employers to consult on new technology, including the use of Equality Impact Assessments.
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is 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.
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion