The relationship between Labour and the unions is fractious. But too often so is the relationship between unions and those they should be for. What do we want from 21st century unions?
Great article and I couldn't agree more with the sentiments. The workplace and the workforce has changed significantly in the last 2-3 decades but the Union movement still seems grounded in the 1970-80's view of the Unions representing the 'working class' against the privileged Tories. Many of the 'working class' voted for this Tory government so I am not sure whose voice were the Unites of this world think they are representing? Unions seems to want to grandstand when talking about political policy but when it comes to fighting for individual members they are all too often AWOL. Unions should have a massive role to play in a landscape where the zero hours or fixed term contracts are all too common. However, they don't seem able to change along witht with the members whose interests they are supposed to serve. But then tbf moderate Union members need to get involved in running the Unions when all too often they leave leadership to those with more radical political views. A massive re-think is required.
Great article and I couldn't agree more with the sentiments. The workplace and the workforce has changed significantly in the last 2-3 decades but the Union movement still seems grounded in the 1970-80's view of the Unions representing the 'working class' against the privileged Tories. Many of the 'working class' voted for this Tory government so I am not sure whose voice were the Unites of this world think they are representing? Unions seems to want to grandstand when talking about political policy but when it comes to fighting for individual members they are all too often AWOL. Unions should have a massive role to play in a landscape where the zero hours or fixed term contracts are all too common. However, they don't seem able to change along witht with the members whose interests they are supposed to serve. But then tbf moderate Union members need to get involved in running the Unions when all too often they leave leadership to those with more radical political views. A massive re-think is required.