The perfect opportunity to win over disenfranchised young voters

Many see the impending union strikes as a case of public sector workers defending themselves against Government cuts. But a substantial body of people have been caught in the cross-fire and completely ignored. These people are the younger generation. Born in the 80s and 90s, this generation is still finding its place in the world of employment. Addressing their needs in the pension debate provides the perfect opportunity for Labour to stop walking a political tight-rope and start speaking up for the truly vulnerable.

The unions are right to be aggrieved. They will be working longer and paying more. But each time the government backs down and cedes more ground, it is hurting the younger generation.

The youth will almost certainly not enjoy even the depleted pensions the unions are protesting about, nor the benefits the elderly currently receive, such as the free bus pass. Yet the younger generation will ultimately pay for the pensions, care and benefits of the older generation.

They already feel aggrieved on several levels. From record levels of unemployment, to managing a global climate ruined by their elders and to dealing with a delay in the journey into adulthood.

Young people will look at Government moves and think, “when we took to the streets protesting against university cuts the government didn’t blink, but now they are prepared to compromise”. The double standards are galling.

Labour should continue in the vein of its campaign against tuition fee rises and speak for the vulnerable youth. Labour needs to weigh in on the debate and force Parliament to consider the long term implications of a pension deal on the younger generation. We can’t function as a democracy if the voice of the youth remains unheard.

Crucially Labour needs to pressure the unions as much as the Government. Labour’s link to the unions can be used as a strength and seen positively, rather providing a media target. But Labour should not fall into the opposition party trap of simply complaining. It needs to provide clear solutions. For instance, Labour could back a “Care Levy” on assets. Such a levy has been proposed by the Rowntree Foundation in order to ensure that each generation contributes to the cost of its care.

Currently however, Labour is sitting on the sides quietly and doing nothing. Politically, this inaction is damaging. Instead, Labour needs to take a more decisive role and represent the most vulnerable in society.