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British finance minister Gordon Brown, who is set to succeed Tony Blair as Prime Minister in June, has told delegates at Usdaw’s annual conference that they had taken a lead in making sure millions of retail workers can enjoy a proper work/life balance. The UNI Commerce affiliated union met in Blackpool at the end of April.

In his speech, the Chancellor reminded delegates that they had led the campaign for a National Minimum Wage which was delivered by Labour and that Usdaw has played a key role in making the case for work/life balance issues like extending the right to request flexible working and extending paid maternity leave to nine months.

“Usdaw has a very proud history over the last 100 years of fighting for social justice for low paid workers which the Chancellor remarked on in a powerful speech,” says Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett. “But just as importantly he reminded us that a progressive modern union like Usdaw armed with strong evidence can talk to Government and win new rights for our members.

“Gordon rightly reminded our delegates that Usdaw has been at the heart of the battle for a legal National Minimum Wage and despite the Tories warning it would cost two million jobs it has actually created two million jobs and raised the living standards of Usdaw members. We particularly welcomed his clear commitment of extra funds to target rogue employers who exploit vulnerable staff by not paying the National Minimum Wage.

“Usdaw has also been a pioneer of Lifelong Learning in the workplace with over 20,000 students taking courses that have changed their lives and I was delighted that Gordon was keen to expand these projects so more of our members can benefit.

“The Chancellor also said he was 100% behind Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign pledging to work with the union and the British Retail Consortium to ensure dignity and respect and the right to work free from fear of abuse for every worker in the UK.

“Gordon Brown is the longest serving Labour Chancellor who has delivered a decade of unprecedented economic stability. He delivered a powerful and warmly received speech reminding our members just how much Labour has delivered for them and that we can look forward to a work/life balance being one of the core issues during Labour’s third term.”