Respect
for shopworkers
On Thursday the 25th of September Parliament debated the issue of violence and abuse
against shopworkers, and you can have your say on this
important issue in this Parliament sponsored interactive
forum, set up in conjunction with the
debate
.
The
parliamentary debate was introduced by Eastwood MSP
Ken Macintosh, and his motion attracted the active support of almost 40
other MSPs, an near record number for a members’
business motion.
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Ken Macintosh MSP
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MSPs
want to hear your views on the subject, and learn of you
suggestions on what parliamentarians can do to help counter
the twin threats of physical and verbal abuse of shopworkers
in Scotland. Ken
Macintosh and other MSPs will be monitoring and responding to
the comments made in the forum - so get
posting!
Ken
Macintosh's Motion
Respect for Shopworkers Day
That the Parliament notes with concern
the level of violence and abuse that shopworkers deal with on
a daily basis; further notes the recent survey by the Union of
Shop, Distributive and Allied workers (USDAW) that found that
47% of those responding to the survey reported physical
attacks or assaults on staff in the last 12 months, that 72%
reported staff being threatened with violence, that in one in
four stores threats are being made every week, that in
one-third of stores verbal abuse is a daily event, that almost
50% of staff have taken time off work as a result of violence
and that stress-related problems are common and include
sickness, insomnia, headaches and clinical depression;
commends the USDAW campaign, "Freedom from Fear"’ and
recognises its main objectives as raising awareness of the
level of violence and abuse, making the workplace safer and
protecting both shoppers and staff, and supports "Respect for
Shopworkers Day" on 17 September 2003 aimed at preventing
abusive behaviour, highlighting the support that retail
companies can, and do, give their staff and encouraging the
public to show respect for shopworkers.
Supported by:
Karen Whitefield, Marlyn Glen, Dr
Elaine Murray, Pauline McNeill, Karen Gillon, Scott Barrie,
Paul Martin, Elaine Smith, Maureen Macmillan, Susan Deacon,
Michael McMahon, Sarah Boyack, Mr Alasdair Morrison, Kate
Maclean, Cathie Craigie, Jackie Baillie, Marilyn Livingstone,
Dr Sylvia Jackson, Helen Eadie, Des McNulty, Christine May,
Bill Butler, Mr Richard Baker, Bristow Muldoon, Cathy Peattie,
Mr John Home Robertson, Margaret Jamieson, Rhona Brankin, Ms
Wendy Alexander, Janis Hughes, Trish Godman, Johann Lamont,
Tommy Sheridan, Rosie Kane, Irene Oldfather, Frances Curran,
Carolyn Leckie, Ms Rosemary Byrne ( list correct on 22
September, 2003)
Useful
Link
USWDAW’s
Freedom from Fear campaign
http://www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/
Transcript of Parliamentary Debate
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/plenary/or-03/sor0925-02.htm#Col2177
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