The Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers is celebrating its 125th anniversary at the Pierhead throughout December 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 1891 that the National Union of Shop Assistants, a founding union of Usdaw was formed from Shop Assistants organisations in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff.

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 435,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 10% 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.

The National Assembly for Wales http://www.assembly.wales is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. The Pierhead, part of the Senedd estate is a unique visitor, events and conference venue for the people of Wales; a space to express opinions and give voice to issues that matter. A historic Grade One listed building, the Pierhead was once the focal point of commerce in Wales. This majestic building has stood proud over 113 years of Cardiff Bay's unique and varied history.

Assembly Member Vaughan Gething, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport has sponsored this exhibition. Vaughan was a solicitor and former partner at Thompsons. He was the youngest ever President of the TUC in Wales and a former president of NUS Wales. Vaughan has previously served as a county councillor and school governor. He has also been a community service volunteer, supporting and caring for a student with cerebral palsy.

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion