John Lewis Partnership signs collective agreement with Usdaw
The John Lewis Partnership, which includes John Lewis and Waitrose, has signed a collective agreement with trade union Usdaw.
Under the deal, Usdaw will become the partnership’s recognised union for statutory consultation, including on health and safety, equality and training. Terms and conditions, including pay, will remain a matter for the partnership and its staff, who are known as partners.
Subscribe to TRBThe partnership will now begin talks with Usdaw on how the agreement will work in practice, and will ensure Usdaw representatives have the facilities they need to do their job.
The move comes as new UK laws require employers to give unions access to the workplace. The partnership said the agreement is in line with those changes and that Usdaw respects its unique partnership model. Partners do not have to join Usdaw and can keep their own relationship with a union of their choice.
Jason Tarry, partner and chairman of John Lewis Partnership, said: “This agreement will sit alongside our commitment to democratic principles, and will complement our existing democratic structures.
“Our partnership council and forums remain the cornerstone of ensuring all voices are heard in our employee-owned model, giving partners real authority to hold leadership to account and shape the decisions that affect us, both now and in the future.”
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary, said: “We are delighted to secure a recognition agreement with such an iconic retailer as the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose supermarkets.
“Usdaw already has members working within the business and this agreement will strengthen that presence and help us in supporting and representing members across the partnership.
“We now look forward to growing our membership and influence within the partnership and to working with the partnership’s management on finalising the details of how the agreement will work in practice.”
The agreement will come into effect from 30 October.
