Latest editorial
STAFF at Aldi and Lidl supermarkets are “scared” they will be sacked for joining a trade union, Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said yesterday.
Mr Hannett named and shamed the budget shopping giants for refusing to recognise the union, which represents thousands of staff at other supermarket chains.
He reported that workers who have covertly joined the union are “fearful” of being found out by bosses.
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
![[Pic: Andrew Wiard]](https://msd11.gn.apc.org/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-01/19860406_a_wiard_0001.jpg.webp?itok=d2RMNwWw)
LAURA DAVISON traces how Murdoch’s mass sackings, political deals and legal loopholes shattered collective bargaining 40 years ago – and how persistent NUJ organising, landmark court victories and new employment rights legislation are finally challenging that legacy