8. Short Debate: A fair deal for workers

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:58 pm on 23 June 2021.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 5:58, 23 June 2021

I thank Jack for bringing this debate to the Senedd, and for all he does to support workers and industry in north-east Wales. In my personal experience as a postwoman, I have seen how driving for productivity and efficiency is forcing us into unrealistic working hours. The Communication Workers Union successfully fought against franchising our brand and reduced wages for new starters, which would have created a two-tier workforce, but these wins keep getting attacked by the employer. As it stands, all new contracts are part-time, but you are expected to work full-time, which means the workforce do not get full holiday, pension entitlement or full sick pay, and cannot commit to another part-time job to ensure full-time employment. Privatisation, competitiveness and UK Government policies have pushed employment standards and wages to a new low and a race to the bottom. Give workers fair pay for fair work, and grow the economy that way. Diolch.