John Lewis Partnership signs collective agreement with Usdaw

The John Lewis Partnership has signed a collective agreement with UK trade union Usdaw, establishing a framework for consultation on health and safety, equality and training across its businesses, including John Lewis, Waitrose and John Lewis Money.

The agreement, which comes into effect on October 30, follows legislative changes in regards to trade union rights in the UK, and will see the group begin negotiations with Usdaw on how the arrangement will operate in practice, including access to workplace facilities and staff.

Pay and other employment terms and conditions will remain matters for the business and its employees, known as Partners, to discuss directly. Staff are not required to join Usdaw and remain free to belong to a union of their choice.

Jason Tarry, chairman of the 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.”

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas added: "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."