The Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers is celebrating its 125th anniversary at Leeds
Central Library throughout August 2016. The union’s pop-up exhibition reviews Usdaw’s social history
and showcases campaigns then and now in the areas of safer workplaces, better conditions, improved
pay and fairness at work. The exhibition is free, open to all and offers a fascinating insight into the
rights of shopworkers through the years.
One hundred and twenty five years ago, representatives of workers met in Manchester and
Birmingham to establish the trade unions which would, in 1947, amalgamate to become the Union of
Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. It was in 1905 that the Yorkshire based National Millers Union
merged with others to become NUDAW, a founding union of Usdaw.
John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: “From our earliest days we have always been
involved in campaigning and in our second century we’ve modernised, become more advanced and
turned Usdaw into 'The Campaigning Union'.
“We have a solid record of involving members in evidence based campaigning to improve working
lives. From raising health and safety standards, to promoting a good work/life balance; from fighting
for a legal minimum wage, to demanding equal pay for work of equal value.”
The exhibition will travel to venues throughout the UK during 2016 and be hosted by Association of
Independents Libraries (AIL) member libraries, public museums and the Trades Union Congress
(TUC).
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest
growing trade union with over 440,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the
last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector,
but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and
other trades.
Leeds Central Library www.leeds.gov.uk/centrallibrary opened in 1884 and is a beautiful Grade II*
listed building, designed by renowned architect George Corson. Over the last 130 years Leeds Central
Library has become home to rich and unique collections that include the Gott Bequest, a collection of
rare botanical books dating back to the 16th century and the Gascoigne Collection of Militia that is an
important source for researchers of 19th century military history. The library has also built a reputation
as an exciting cultural venue with the launch of its multi-use arts space, Room 700. An impressive
range of creative work, from spoken word to large scale art installations, are hosted in the library and
inspired by our books, special collections and historic building.
For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion