Miliband to urge TUC to be ‘partners in the new economy’

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

In a speech to the TUC today, Ed Miliband will tell Britain’s trade unions that they must become “partners in the new economy”.

“The reality is that away from the headlines, the new offer you are already making to members is about “getting on, not getting even”.”

“The challenge for unions is this: to recognize that Britain needs to raise its game if we are to meet the challenges of the future and to get private sector employers in the new economy to recognize that you are relevant to that future.”

“Just 15% of the private sector workforce are members of trade unions. But Unions can offer businesses the prospect of better management, better relationships – trust. Britain needs you to take your place as partners in the new economy.”

Miliband will also allude to the responsibilities of the rich in society, lambasting “get rich quick” culture:

“Government must ensure the rules of the system favour the long term, the patient investment, the responsible business. Not the short term, the fast buck or the ‘take what you can’ culture.”

The reaction Miliband receives from this speech will be a good indication of his relationship with the trade union movement – particularly with affiliated trade unions. There are already pronounced differences between Miliband and some of Labour’s biggest backers – both on substance and in tone – and today’s speech will need to walk a tricky tightrope if he is to succeed.