The John Lewis Partnership has signed a collective agreement with retail trade union Usdaw, covering employees across John Lewis, Waitrose and John Lewis Money.
The agreement, which comes into effect on 30 October, will see the union formally recognised for collective consultation on workplace matters including health and safety, equality and training.
However, pay and employment terms and conditions will continue to be determined directly between the Partnership and its employees, known as Partners.
The deal comes ahead of changes to UK employment legislation that will require businesses to facilitate trade union access to workplaces.
John Lewis said the agreement would complement its existing employee-owned business model, which allows staff to influence company decisions through its Partnership Council and Forums.
John Lewis Partnership chairman Jason Tarry said: “This agreement will sit alongside our commitment to democratic principles, and will complement our existing democratic structures.
“Our Partnership Council and Forums remain the cornerstone of ensuring all voices are heard in our employee-owned model, giving Partners real authority to hold leadership to account and shape the decisions that affect us, both now and in the future.”
It will now begin negotiations with Usdaw to establish how the agreement will operate in practice, including providing union representatives with the facilities needed to support employees.
Staff will not be required to join Usdaw and will remain free to become members of any trade union they choose.
John Lewis Partnership president of Partnership Council and director of democratic engagement Chris Earnshaw said: “We’re encouraged by our conversations with Usdaw that they respect and appreciate our unique Partnership model, and our shared focus is to help enhance, support and evolve our business strategy and purpose.”
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas welcomed the agreement, calling on other retailers to follow suit.
She said: “We are delighted to secure a recognition agreement with such an iconic retailer as the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose supermarkets.
“Usdaw already has members working within the business and this agreement will strengthen that presence and help us in supporting and representing members across the Partnership.”
Thomas added that the union was looking forward to growing its membership and influence within the business while working with management to finalise the arrangements.
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