Usdaw reps take on violence

Usdaw reps take on violence

A new union reps' survey tool aims to address the violence risk to retail staff. The initiative, the latest part of the 'Freedom From Fear Campaign' run by shopworkers' union Usdaw 'has been designed to help local Usdaw reps check that the policies and procedures that are meant to protect staff from violence and abuse are in place and are working effectively in their own store.' The union says there are three steps to the tool. Firstly, unions reps should make a note of the policies and procedures in their store. Then reps should give these a reality check, using the survey tool to find out what actually happens in the store. Finally, union reps should report back the results of the survey to management and to staff. Usdaw adds: 'If the survey finds gaps in protection or if the intended policies are not working as well as they should, follow these issues up with management.' It says the survey can help union reps to identify members who have been subject to violence or abuse and engage with members and non-members in the store. Union reps will also be in a better position to find out if workers feel protected and to identify problem areas where they do not. They will also be able to check whether workers know about the safety precautions and procedures designed to protect them.

Usdaw news release and reps' survey tool.