Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/495/2624
From The Socialist newspaper, 12 July 2007
Kwik Save workers betrayed by bosses and union
SHOPWORKERS' UNION USDAW have proclaimed 11 July as 'Respect for Shopworkers' Day'. It is part of their campaign to prevent violence and abuse against shop workers. But one group of shop workers have been dealt a heavy blow - by the bosses.
Alison Hill
Hundreds of USDAW members working for Kwik Save were thrown on the dole as the company went into administration. 56 stores will be transferred to a new company and the remaining 90+ stores have closed.
The workers made redundant on 5 July will join those from the 81 stores closed in June. These 1,100 workers will have to fight for redundancy payments from the administrators KPMG.
When Kwik Save's inability to compete with its low-cost rivals reached crisis point six weeks ago, the union did not organise strike action to demand that the workers be paid. Unbelievably, they encouraged the workers to work for nothing, to "try to keep the company alive".
Most of the workers endured great hardship during this period and all they have to look forward to now is a paltry redundancy payment - if they're lucky.
USDAW's approach of entering into 'partnership' agreements with big business has backfired on them again. The Kwik Save debacle follows on closely behind 400 USDAW members being made redundant from Tesco's Milton Keynes Distribution Centre. USDAW has a partnership agreement with Tesco.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 12 July 2007:
Fighting low pay, defending jobs and services
Public support for Post Office counters strike
National Shop Stewards Network
National Shop Stewards Network conference: A good starting point for strengthening struggle
Socialist Party workplace news
TGWU/Unite conference delegates cheer call for action on anti-trade union laws
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Campaign saves Swansea hospital unit
Sussex must fight back against NHS cuts
Durham health cuts show need for new workers' party
Wales
Wales Assembly coalition no answer to workers' problems
Cardiff: Fight school cuts and closures
Tales from the council chambers
Nurseries campaign embarrasses councillors
Southall Labour councillors cross floor
Marxist analysis: history
The 'July days' - rich in lessons for today
Socialist Party news and analysis
London Underground derailment: Kick out dangerous profiteers!
Kwik Save workers betrayed by bosses and union
Socialist Party events
Socialist Party Youth and students
Socialist Party review
Political discourse can swing!
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: union leaders call off biggest-ever strike
Home | The Socialist 12 July 2007 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
