What should a modernised link look like? – Progress annual conference 12 May 2012
The ideals of working people forming trade unions so that they could collectively fight to improve their working and living conditions and of having a voice within the Labour party have remained unchanged through more than a century.
However, the workplace and society are changing radically, and to ensure that working people are interested and get involved in politics we need to encourage their involvement by listening to trade unions when they evidence the genuine concerns and views of their members and by encouraging trade union members to participate in politics by building organisational links at every level.
Participation in elections and in political parties has been on the decline for decades especially among younger people and those in lower income groups. People are more individualistic in their outlook, changes in the workplace have led to less social interaction with colleagues and there is the growth in cynicism about politicians along with the widespread perception that political parties are all the same.
Modern unions must reach out to their members, develop a brand that is valued and respected by members and identify and campaign on the issues of concern to their members.
Usdaw membership has continued to increase despite the current economic circumstances and we have recently run several very successful campaigns on issues such as the state pension age, cuts to working tax credit and the extension of Sunday trading during the Olympics. These are the sort of campaigns that will help us to show that political parties are not the same.
In Usdaw we are also working hard to build our organisational links with the Labour party so we can work to build the next Labour government. We have just launched our Labour Supporters’ Network which gives our members the chance to get involved in campaigning and political activity one small step at a time. Whether signing a petition, sending an email to their MP or putting up a poster, members can get involved in working on campaigns that affect them, their family and their workplace.
A modernised trade union link must reflect the changes we have seen in society and changing attitudes to politics. A successful Labour party must show that it is different to other parties and will campaign on behalf of working people and their families.
Unions must also modernise and evidence base their political demands so we can all work together to campaign, organise and build the next Labour government.
—————————————————————————————
John Hannett is general secretary of Usdaw
—————————————————————————————
Agreed – develop the brand – and product range for members – i.e. make union membership relevant to everyday life not just at times of disputes or pay bargaining
Agree. Successful trade unions need to make sure that they engage proactively and positively in the workplace and on a wider national level. You can oppose the coalition and engage with the employer locally on positive initiatives to improve conditions and opportunities for employees – you don’t have to be just about opposing things. What union’s bring most to the Party is the local knowledge about what is really impacting, worrying and motivating employees. This must help sharpen the Party’s focus. This has seriously weakened and needs to be actively rebuilt and encouraged – sadly not many of the Party’s leading lights seem eager to back unions or engage with them.
Join the Progress party then