Annex 1
TRADE UNIONS
1. We support the right of all our employees
to join a trade union. Around half of our UK employees are members
of a union. Since 1998 we have had a pioneering partnership agreement
with Usdaw, which has become a model for employer-union relationships
in the UK. Staff Forums are held in all stores three times a year
in conjunction with Usdaw.
2. As a founder member of the Ethical Trading
Initiative we strive towards high labour standards throughout
our supply chain by using the ETI Base Code as the standard with
which our suppliers must comply. With respect to union membership,
the ETI Base Code states that workers must have a workplace where
freedom of association and right to collective bargaining are
respected. Specifically the code states:
— Workers, without distinction, have
the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and
to bargain collectively.
— The employer adopts an open attitude
towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational
activities.
— Workers representatives are not discriminated
against and have access to carry out their representative functions
in the workplace.
— Where the right to freedom of association
and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer
facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel
means for independent and free association and bargaining.
3. We also require that as part of the process
whereby suppliers are independently audited, worker representatives
be included in opening and closing meetings, and that they are
interviewed to ensure their views are taken into consideration.
4. We participate in a number of local and
international working groups convened by the ETI to investigate
specific issues, for example in the Bangladeshi garment industry.
The working groups all have buyers, suppliers, trade unions, NGOs
and government representatives involved.
5. With respect to the United States, Tesco
will be opening a new chain of grocery stores in Southern California,
Las Vegas and the Greater Phoenix area later this year called
"Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market". We are several
months away from large scale recruitment for our stores and distribution
centre and are still finalising our plans. However, as with the
other countries in which we operate, we are committed to creating
a positive employment relationship with our people, including
respecting their right to join a trade union.
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