Caroline Flint backs USDAW/Tesco Respect campaign


30 March 2007

Caroline Flint met staff at the Edlington Tesco staff to back a joint USDAW-Tesco campaign for greater respect for shopworkers.

The Don Valley MP was given a tour of the store before joining store manager Pat Newton, and assistants Annette Davis and Debbie Evans at the checkout.

Said Ms Flint: "It was a pleasure to meet the manager and staff at the Edlington Tesco, to see the new posters that remind customers that shopworkers are real people and should be treated with respect.

"This partnership between Tesco and the shopworkers' union Usdaw will help to remind the public that violence, threats or abuse are not acceptable. When people are serving customers and providing a service they have a right to respect.

John Hannett, USDAW General Secretary said: "We very much welcome Caroline Flint's support for this initiative. We have worked hard with Tesco to ensure that stores are safe and comfortable environments for shopworkers and shoppers alike.

"Tesco is a company that takes these matters seriously and works with us to help ensure the safety of staff."

Said Maureen Patterson, a longstanding Edlington resident: "This initiative is a sign of how Tesco treats its employees, and the result here in Edlington is a thriving store with low staff turnover. I hope more employers will follow Tesco's lead and have similar joint initiatives with Usdaw."