Wales Trade Union Conference on the crisis of political representation

Following meetings in June trades union councils across Wales have agreed to call a conference to discuss the crisis in political representation for the trade union movement. Deep concerns have been expressed at:

• the government proposals to cut disability benefits

• the scandalous anti-union behaviour of management at some Labour-run councils

• the actions of government commissioners and the council to attack Birmingham bin workers to force them to accept huge pay cuts

• the inadequate response of the government to the horrifying massacres in Gaza

• the unacceptable response to our concerns from local Labour MPs.

Many trade union delegates concluded that Labour no longer represents workers. And concern was expressed at the time that the main beneficiary of this alienation from the Labour Party was Reform who are hiding their anti-trade union, right-wing economic agenda.

So the trades councils are sponsoring a conference on Saturday 18th October to discuss the crisis of political representation of the working class in Wales. Trade union branches, regional and national bodies are invited to endorse this event to open up a discussion about the response of our movement to recent political developments and the challenges facing us.

The conference is open to all trade union reps, officials and members, and their views will be the main focus of the conference.

A number of unions are affiliated to the Labour Party and we have invited a representative of Labour MPs and MSs to address the conference to allow them to defend their record and put forward their views. Trade union members of other parties would of course be free to express their support or recommend their support for other parties if they so wish.

We think we need a full and free discussion on the way forward for our movement. We do not believe we can hide away from political involvement but need to discuss how we can best engage with the political process to advance the struggle against austerity and pro big business policies.

Endorsed by Cardiff Trades Union Council, Swansea Trades Union Council, Newport Trades Union Council, Caerphilly Trades Union Council, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Cardiff Council Unite branch, Cardiff Rail RMT branch, GMB Wales Ambulance Service branch, Cardiff General Unite branch, Cardiff and Area Community Unite branch.

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Host or Publisher Cardiff Trades Union Council