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Respect policies Trade Unions and Labour Representation
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Trade Unions and Labour Representation |
Respect believes that trade unions, democratically controlled by their members, are crucial to a just society. They are the essential bulwark
against exploitation and abuse.
In Britain, however, the workforce is denied even the minimum standards of protection set out in the International Labour Organisation’s conventions as New Labour has
turned its face decisively against the trade unions and their members.
Instead it has forged a closer relationship with the employers.
Britain has the most repressive anti-union laws in the western world. These laws can no longer be termed “Tory” anti-union laws: they have now been fully adopted and utilised by New Labour.
Blair & Brown not only intend to keep them in place but boasts that they have made Britain one of the most flexible places in the world for big business. In other words Britain has lower pay, longer hours, less regulation than in many countries.
Britain’s manufacturing base has been cut from nearly 80 percent of the economy to less than 20 percent. Major industries have been destroyed or severely cut back. Heavy and light engineering have suffered major decline. This process was begun by the Tories but continued in its totality by New Labour.
In the public sector, cuts and privatisation have seen increasing speed-ups for those who remain in jobs and for many workers the attacks on final salary pension schemes have been the last straw.
New Labour’s open embracing of the employers’ agenda has created a deepening crisis of working-class representation – which Respect is seeking to address.
A debate has opened up in the unions over their relationship with New Labour. This has focussed on whether the unions should continue to bankroll New Labour, through their political funds when New Labour organises against them, and attacks wages and working conditions.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) – the union that took the initiative to form the Labour Party 100 years ago – has been expelled from it for supporting Scottish Socialist Party candidates. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) conference voted to disaffiliate from New Labour in protest at the government’s disgusting behaviour during the firefighters' dispute.
We support these unions in their rejection of New Labour. We support the democratisation of union political funds to allow backing for left of Labour candidates. Respect stands with the unions and their members against current attacks on jobs, conditions, pensions and employment rights.
We oppose the attack on Civil Service jobs and support the unions in opposing them. The
closure of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) offices and the cuts elsewhere will impact upon the most needy in society – pensioners and the poor.
New Labour is behaving like the worst of bullying employers – and only industrial action has forced management to negotiate in the past. Respect will support action taken by the trade unions in defence of these jobs and services.
RESPECT CALLS FOR:
> The repeal of the anti-union laws.
> The automatic right to union recognition.
> The right to hold trade union meetings during working hours.
> Employment tribunals to have the powers to enforce reinstatement and protect trade union representatives.
> Democratising the unions’ political funds.
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