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Why the Union/Labour link is important

June 21, 2012 3:48 pm

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The link between trade unions like UNISON and the Labour Party is often described as historic. That is true in the sense that the relationship goes back a long way, but every now and then there comes a moment when people once again learn why the relationship is so important for both.

For hundreds and thousands of UNISON members – and their families – up and down the country, the threat from the coalition government and Tory councils is frighteningly real.  They look to the union for help. Sometimes the help comes through negotiation, sometimes it comes through standing together and taking action. But sometimes it also comes down to organising for political change – which is why the link with Labour matters. Because, in a democracy, it sometimes needs a political change to win the battles that can’t be won any other way.

In recent times, we’ve seen that in places like Southampton, where long and bitter disputes were fought over many months with an aggressive Tory council. This May, those councillors had to go back to the electorate, and they were astonished to find that the thousands of UNISON members in the city were organised and very determined. And they kicked them out – UNISON working together with Labour to make a real change. It was an inspiring moment, and one that will guide our activity in the months ahead.

Put simply, UNISON members and public service workers – indeed our country – needs a change of Government, so UNISON and other affiliated unions will be putting every effort into making sure the coalition is defeated at the next General Election. In the meantime, we will be urging local Labour parties to join us in our campaigns over coming months, particularly for the massive demonstration on October 20.

In March last year we were delighted by the response – UNISON Labour Link banners held proudly alongside all the other trade union banners.  We know that Labour Party members and supporters  want to be involved, and we will make them welcome – providing them with access to our coaches, helping them with materials, but most of all, helping to build an unstoppable campaign to get the change we all need.

Keith Birch is the Head of Labour Link. This post forms part of our coverage of Unison Conference 2012.

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  3. The way to defend the Labour-Union link is through democracy…
  4. It’s time to stop running scared over the union link
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  • http://twitter.com/rob_marchant Rob Marchant

    Well, it’s difficult not to agree with such comradeliness. The Unison-Labour link knows ”that Labour Party members and supporters  want to be involved, and we will make them welcome”.

    All, presumably, except Progress members, who risk expulsion if the motion supported by Unison’s leader passes through Labour Party Conference. 

    I suspect that they may not be quite so welcome?

    • AlanGiles

      Play another record Mr Marchant.

      At one time the Labour right would cast aside any critique with a magnificent, elegant,  if arch,  disdain. Mr. Birch didn’t even mention the Progress affair, but it looks as if their supporters on this site will take their lead from Mr. marchant and be out soon with their “hard left” diatribes, like a group of frightend old women.

      • jaime taurosangastre candelas

        Come on Alan, you are a master at working in a critical reference to Liam Byrne, no matter the topic or how unrelated.  You cannot complain if someone else does something similar!

        (I don’t know how to get one of those smiley faces on this keyboard to indicate I am not being aggressive…)

        • AlanGiles

          That’s OK Jaime. Mr Marchant vented his anger on us yesterday at full length about the “nasty” way some of us allegedly traet “Progress” I have a soft spot for Mr Byrne……it’s a bog in Epping Forest :-)

          • john p Reid

            and if that isn’t trying to expel people with a different view to you ,I don’t know what is,

          • AlanGiles

            A lot of the time, I have difficulty in understanding what you are talking about.

            The original writer of this article mentioned nothing about “expelling”, and neither did I.

            No doubt your posts make some sort of sense to you, but I think at times frankly you don’t see what somebody actually writes, but what you would have liked them to write, but I wish you stop badgering me.

    • derek

      Blimey Rob, your a bit like the wood termite, eager to get in amongst the structure and nor away.Just completely ignore the reference to the historic link and the will to deliver the next labour government. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Homfray/510980099 Mike Homfray

      They don’t. Read the motion again – its not about expelling individuals

      • treborc1

        Nope it’s not, but why spoil a good argument with a few facts.

      • http://twitter.com/rob_marchant Rob Marchant

        So, Mike, what will happen to Labour members who choose to remain part of Progress, then? Nothing, I presume.

  • http://twitter.com/robertsjonathan Jonathan Roberts

    I honestly don’t think that the Labour Link needs to be defended.  It should remain.

    I’ve never once heard a Labour member sitting in any pew of this broad church (left or right) say it should be abolished.

    In the same way Unions question those in the party with differing viewpoints, however, it is reasonable to question them from time to time too.  No section of the party should be free from scrutiny of their policies or behaviour, and no section of the party is bigger than the party as a whole.  It is reasonable to question whether certain strikes are appropriate, and it is reasonable to ask ‘how will we pay for it?’ when they issue demands.  Just as it is reasonable for Unions to question policies or behaviours eminating from elsewhere.

    We have to remember that factions should not be in competition to prove who is most ‘real Labour’, that no faction has moral superiority or direct ownership of the party.  It belongs to us all.

    • derek

      Just like Francis Maude created a strike like occurrence although no industrial action had been taken by the oil tankers?I think you’ve raised a point that needs to be clarified Jonathan. Do “Progress” want certain parts of the union to have a no strike policy?

      • http://twitter.com/robertsjonathan Jonathan Roberts

        Derek, recognise a measured response when you see one! Not everything has to be a fight.  I have no idea what the answer is to your question. I’m a mere member of progress, I have no idea what their policy is.

        • derek

          Shouldn’t the measured response be to ask what their policies are then? I’m not looking for a fight Jonathan, just some answers, if that’s ok.

  • treborc1

       http://www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/other_news/gmb_on_progress-1.aspx

    The motion and the whole detail is here, and to quote below nowhere does it speak about expelling people, but speaks about unity and working together.

    Perhaps If Progress did not have so much to be angry about it would not worry about Unions which keep the labour party going. Unless of course Progress wishes to fund the labour party

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