ANAS Sarwar has been left red-faced as union chiefs insisted all workers at a firm linked to him are paid at least the real living wage – despite him saying otherwise.
A spokesman for the trade union Usdaw said the most recent pay negotiations at United Wholesale Scotland – the firm started by the Labour MSP’s father – resulted in a deal that “delivered an income higher than the real living wage for all employees”.
The statement came after the Scottish Labour leader told the BBC’s Sunday Show that he did “not believe that every single staff member is on the real living wage”.
The family firm *do not* pay all staff the real living wage. Do as we say, not as we do. No wonder Labour are watering down their promises on workers right. Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/mJI24EvkSh
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) May 26, 2024
Sarwar had said however that he was aware there had been “significant increases in the wage after negotiations with Usdaw, their trade union”.
His comments came as he was questioned on Labour plans to improve conditions for workers, which the party says will boost incomes at the same time as “ensuring workplace rights are fit for a modern economy”.
While Sarwar is not involved in United Wholesale, his wife is a shareholder in the firm.
A spokesperson for Usdaw said: “Usdaw has a trade union recognition agreement with United Wholesale Scotland and we negotiate on pay with the company.
“In our last negotiation we agreed a pay deal that delivered an income higher than the real living wage for all employees.”
Sarwar’s comments had sparked criticism from his political rivals, with the SNP’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn describing the Scottish Labour leader’s comments as “astonishing”.
