Usdaw endorsed councillor Hinchcliffe after hearing about her plans to focus on equality, fairness, 21st Century transport, decent housing, a greener economy and prosperity for all if she becomes Mayor.

Usdaw divisional officer for the North East, Joanne Thomas, said: "We represent almost 400,000 workers in a number of sectors including retail, distribution, transport and manufacturing. This pandemic has shown that our members are key workers who kept the country going during these unprecedented times.

“Once this is over, we want to make sure their contribution isn’t forgotten. That’s why Usdaw is calling for a new deal for workers which includes £10 minimum wage, better sick pay, better protection against violence at work and a retail recovery plan to help revive the struggling high street.

“We believe councillor Hinchcliffe’s credentials as the current chair of the West Yorkshire combined authority, her outstanding track record at Bradford Council, her activism and her knowledge of the region make her best person to represent the issues and concerns of Usdaw members in the North East.

“For these reasons Usdaw is proud to stand beside her."

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion