Retail
union Usdaw has increased its membership by an additional 10,000 from last year
– breaking through the 320,000 barrier in December.
The
union recruited more than 74,000 new members during 2002, despite the high
turnover of staff in the sector.
General
secretary Bill Connor said the increase was a significant milestone and largely
due to a new progressive climate encouraged by the Government.
During
the last two years Usdaw has signed 40 negotiating agreements across a number
of sectors and employers, including representation for 100,000 Tesco employees.
Conner
added that Usdaw is now realistically looking to hit the half million
membership mark.
