There is much interest in how political parties are funded. From a trade union point of view this debate really focuses on how Labour is funded. And within the debate about Labour’s finances, the unions have to deal with the fact that the larger, older and ‘blue-collar’ unions tend to be affiliated to the Party while the newer, more ‘white-collar’ unions are not. Indeed, one of the great unasked questions within the trade union family is why have not other unions affiliated to Labour over the last decade or more? All unions, affiliated or not, understand one central part of the unions-politics debate. None of us can do what we know we must for our members through industrial negotiating alone. Politicians in Europe, Whitehall and local government get elected and do things to or for our members. Unions therefore have to exercise influence so that all political majorities have to consider the trade union position on the issues of the day.

 Click here to read article in full

Discuss this article on the forums. (1 posts)