The award has been given in recognition of Claire’s services to retail along with her campaigning to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. Claire Saunders BEM is a volunteer union rep who has spoken out about abuse on behalf of Usdaw and the Co-op to promote respect for shopworkers.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “We are very proud that one of our reps and prominent activists has received this prestigious award. We congratulate Claire on her achievement and thank her for the service she has given to Usdaw and our members.
“Claire has often been a voice from the frontline in the media as part of Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, talking about what life is like working in a convenience store. Regrettably during the pandemic, abuse of retail staff became much worse and shamefully Claire has been spat at, threatened, pushed and far too often abused.
“The campaigning that our reps, like Claire, undertake has made a real difference and this year we won new protection of workers’ legislation in Westminster and Holyrood. Our campaign continues to highlight the terrible way a significant minority treat the key workers who keep our country fed.
“This award is a real boost for all trade union reps and activists as the work they do is recognised at the highest level. Claire is a first class example of what thousands of volunteers are achieving in their workplaces across the country and she thoroughly deserves this recognition."
Claire Saunders BEM says: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that I’m in the New Year’s Honours, it was such a shock. I’m really pleased and honoured to receive this award, it shows that our campaign is getting the recognition it deserves and most importantly it raises awareness of the appalling abuse key workers across retail have to face often on a daily basis.
“I’d like to thank my union Usdaw and my employer the Co-op for all the advice, support and opportunities to speak out in the media on this important issue, which is so dear to my heart. We are key workers, we do deserve respect and I hope this award helps to raise awareness.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 380,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
Usdaw’s Freedom from Fear Campaign has been running for nearly 20 years and seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against workers by engaging the public, shopworkers and the Government.
www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Freedom-From-Fear
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion