USDAW is asking our members to use both their votes for Welsh Labour in this year’s Senedd election, so that it can continue delivering for working people. 

As Usdaw’s divisional officer, I believe that the Welsh Labour government has a record to be proud of. 

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our members, the majority of whom are key workers delivering essential services throughout the crisis. 

The Welsh Labour government strengthened legislation to make sure retailers carry out Covid-19 risk assessments to protect staff and spoke out against abuse of retail workers, making it clear that it is never part of the job. 

The Welsh Labour government has taken the safety of Usdaw members seriously. 

It stepped in to fund 500 police community support officers and has committed to increase this support to fund 600 officers. 

This government has also supported our members and other working parents by delivering free childcare for three and four-year-olds, the most generous offer in the UK and a long called for priority for Usdaw members.

On top of that, Welsh Labour created 100,000 high-quality all-age apprenticeships and piloted new personal learning accounts to help people gain new skills. 

It has pledged to expand personal learning accounts to allow people to study flexibly and obtain new skills. 

Additionally, Welsh Labour will build on the success of the Wales Union Learning Fund — the equivalent scheme in England was scrapped by the Tories. 

Welsh Labour has delivered for Usdaw members and we are looking for that to continue after the election; not least in addressing the growing crisis facing the retail sector in Wales. 

Almost one in five Welsh shops now stand empty and many retail jobs across Wales remain under threat. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened the difficulties facing retail, and a recovery plan is urgently needed to ensure that our high streets survive this crisis. 

We welcome the support provided by the Welsh Labour government through the Economic Resilience Fund, but there are key structural issues to address to support the retail sector’s recovery. 

There needs to be continued investment in skills for retail workers, particularly at this time of crisis. 

We are looking for the Welsh government to work with unions and businesses to develop an urgent recovery plan for retail, looking at the wider pressures facing the sector such as business rates, rents and lease arrangements. 

This plan should also include continued support for local authorities to help them revitalise their local high street, making them hubs for our communities.

Millions of low-paid workers have provided essential services to help ensure the country is fed, healthy and safe throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Usdaw members employed in supermarkets, the food supply chain, pharmaceutical distribution and the funeral industry welcomed their key worker status, but that respect and appreciation must not fade into the background when this national crisis passes. 

We know that Welsh Labour will deliver for our members and all workers.