Usdaw keeps pressure on Lidl


Supermarket chain Lidl has rejected a request from the Usdaw retail and distribution union for initial talks about union recognition.


Usdaw general secretaryvelect Paddy Lillis said that the company had responded to its “reasonable requests” by saying it has chosen “not to formally recognise trade unions”.


Last month the union’s long-running recognition battle included special “campaign days” at seven Lidl distribution centres across the UK. 


Lillis said: “The staff are keen to talk to us, but often not within sight of the distribution centre where they can be seen by managers.” He added: “Our campaigners are being moved away from the distribution centres by management and they are subtly doing everything possible to discourage staff from speaking to Usdaw.”


Labour MSP for Lothian Neil Findlay joined campaigners at the chain’s Livingston, West Lothian, distribution centre, where activists say workers face “draconian” conditions. He said: “Lidl’s refusal to recognise Usdaw at Livingston is a message to the public that they do not want that kind of positive relationship with their staff.”

https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/News/2018/Jun/Usdaws-campaign-for-Lidl-recognition-continues-wit