Unions reach deal on reps with Sainsbury

Two unions operating at J Sainsbury, USDAW and the T&G, have signed an improved national agreement with the retail chain that should strengthen union representation. However, it still does not include pay bargaining.

The agreement, called Getting it right, provides for automatic trade union recognition, more reps per store, improved regional and national consultative structures, better training and development facilities for union reps, and the opportunity to influence improvements in pay and benefits.

USDAW national officer Pauline Foulkes described the new agreement as a "positive step forward in the right direction", and emphasised the hard work by lay reps that had made it possible.

Brian Revell, T&G national organiser, said better representation was a key part of the deal. Instead of one shop steward per store there will now be between two and four "whole time equivalents."

This is expected to enhance the unions' ability to represent a workforce that is largely part time, working around the clock in large stores on shift arrangements that are increasingly individualised.

There will also be union access to induction procedures and a better flow of information between members and managers.