Union matters Articles

The Labour-trade union link should stay not just for its historical significance but because it connects the party to working people. Any changes to the party’s electoral system should seek to retain this unique relationship.

As this year’s TUC congress in Manchester draws to a close, despite the best attempts of some of the media to focus on old stereotypical notions of union discontent and disruption, the central theme that has come out of the congress itself is the emphasis on unity and a collective, considered response to cuts.

The latest ‘consultation’ from the ConDem government is likely to scrap employees’ right to ask for time for skills training – foolish when we need to upskill our workforce. The axe is also hanging over the agency workers directive.

During this time of change within Labour both the parliamentary party and the unions need to reinvigorate their relationship to show their core values to the general public