GMB to consider affiliation to Labour?

According to the Guardian:

“The GMB general secretary, Paul Kenny, warned that backing a 1% pay cap could have a “profound impact” on the union’s relationship with Labour . In a letter to union officials, Kenny said a weekend speech by Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, could have negative consequences for the union’s affiliation to Labour.

“I have spoken to Ed Milliband and Ed Balls to ensure they were aware of how wrong I think the policy they are now following is. It is now time for careful consideration and thought before the wider discussions begin on the long-term implications this new stance by the party has on GMB affiliation.”

While I think we’re quite some way from the GMB disaffiliating from Labour, this is another marker placed by the unions (like Len McCluskey’s comments in the Guardian) over their discontent with Ed Balls’ speech on Saturday.