Scott Jones, Usdaw general secretary candidate and Socialist Party member
The shop and distribution workers’ union Usdaw has not had a contested general secretary election since 2008. I am seeking nominations in the current election as a rank-and-file candidate because a debate is needed about the direction of the union, and members need a say.
Shop and distribution workers need the pay our key-worker status deserves. Pay offers like the recent 2% in Morrisons are just not good enough. Contrast that with Tesco distribution, where last year’s threatened strike action saw Tesco bosses concede higher pay, and agree inflation-busting pay rises in depots which have had negotiations this year. We need to fight for better deals to beat the cost-of-living crisis and win new members to the union – vital given that we have 50,000 fewer members than Usdaw had five years ago.
We need a fighting union that takes on the bosses and joins the trade union fightback and strike wave. Taking strike action in sectors like retail, where there is a limited tradition of strikes, is not easy. But through campaigning, including mass meetings and protests, as well as coordinating pay fights with other unions, our membership could be mobilised to win strike ballots. This would strengthen our position in negotiations, rather than fighting with one hand tied behind our back.
We need a workers’ general secretary on a worker’s wage, and a democratic union in touch with the members. If we are to harness the potential power we have as a union of over 350,000 members, then we must seek to involve as many of our members as possible in our activities, whether that be as a rep, in their local branch, or beyond.
This would include ending the reorganisation of branches over the heads of the activists that keep branches functioning. We must restore Tesco members’ right to vote on pay deals – a decision the union’s members have twice taken at the annual delegate meeting, but that the leadership of the union has failed to carry out.
Political voice
Usdaw members also need a strong political voice. Since Keir Starmer became leader of the Labour Party, he has systematically ditched policies supported by Usdaw members and trade unionists, including renationalisation of rail, mail and utilities, and has refused to give his support to the RMT and CWU strikes. He stayed away from dock workers picketing a mere spitting distance from Labour’s conference in Liverpool.
Disgracefully, our current general secretary has attacked other trade union leaders like Unite’s Sharon Graham for criticising Starmer’s lack of support for working-class people. Trade unions should fund and support politicians who support our campaigns, up to and including strike action. Where they refuse to do so, we should support trade unionist and socialist candidates prepared to back us 100%.
By seeking nominations and getting on the ballot, we can have a discussion and fight to win these things, and win a member-led union.
- Nominations close 14 November
- See ScottforUsdawGS on Facebook, @ScottFrankJones on twitter, and email [email protected] for more information including how to nominate
