PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Reinstatement of IKEA shop steward Richie Venton (31 August 2020)

That this House condemns the sacking of IKEA Glasgow USDAW Shop Steward and convenor Richie Venton for carrying out his duties as an elected workers' representative who sought to prevent hardship, while protecting workers' health during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic; notes Mr Venton opposed IKEA's plans to remove wages from workers self-isolating as a result of covid-19; further notes employees excluded from IKEA's sick benefit had to to live on £95 statutory sick pay; is concerned that Mr Venton's efforts to raise with management his concerns that financial hardship could force employees to make the incorrect decision to come into workplace while unwell, potentially spreading the virus, were ignored; opposes any attempts by IKEA to change the terms in conditions in employees' contracts which would reduce worker's rights, including efforts to limit sick benefit entitlement; urges IKEA to give consideration to the suggestion of an average wage; and demands that IKEA immediately reinstate life-long trade unionist, and campaigner for worker's rights, Richie Venton to his role within their organisation and his elected union position.

Sponsored by:
Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party)