Justice fight must go on

After watching an inspirational short film on Unite’s campaign at Sports Direct, conference debated and carried a motion calling for continued support for workers and the fight for decent and fair conditions.

In moving Sam Rosenthal, East Midlands, spoke of the “dire situation” workers faced at Sports Direct.

He said, “There is a culture of fear. Take too long in the toilet, be off sick, chat too much – and you might get sacked. And all for pay below the minimum wage.

“This is the best campaign to emerge from the union in a long time. It has brought Community, young, retired, industrial members together.

“But the fight still goes on – if Leicester City can win anything is possible. We can change practices at Sports Direct.”

Andrew Clayworth, East Midlands agreed. “This is what can be achieved with organisation from a union like Unite.”

London and Eastern delegate Maxine Loza, spoke from personal experience. “My daughter’s first job was with Sports Direct. She was locked in a room for two hours to get her to admit to fraud which she didn’t commit. They threatened to blacklist her and call the police.

“What they didn’t know was her mother was a Unite rep – we won her case. Now she’s a manager at a bookmakers. This campaign shows how Unite can really make a difference.”