There will be ideological differences between the slash and burn Tories, and trade unions such as UNISON, service user alliances, and those of us who understand the central role of public services at time of economic crisis and recession. Public services are needed more than ever by growing numbers of people suffering from job loss, increasing private debt, lack of access to housing, education and the list goes on, as well as being key driver in getting the Country out of recession. In the North East public services make up 34% of jobs, and therefore the contribution to the local economy is significant. To reduce public services at this time would have a significantly negative impact on the regional economy.
Poll after poll show there remains high levels of support for public services, and when people are given a choice between cutting services, or finding money from other areas support is consistent for public services. This is why trade unions have a responsibility to promote alternatives to the slash and burn policies of the Tories, or the 'cuts/efficiency' savings of Labour which is seeing thousands of public sector jobs being lost, particularly in local government. UNISON's Million Voices Campaign says it all - quality public services, decent jobs, and social justice. We are seeing up and down the country union members and local communities coming together to sign up. We must be bold in the run up to the General Election to promote our manifesto, and to ensure that the constant attack on public sector workers from the right wing media, Tories, and others such as the Taxpayers Alliance, is challenged.
We have seen the recent report of the National Equality Panel which shows there is still much work to be done to bridge the gap between the have and have nots. The most discriminated in our communities and workplaces continue to be black people, women, disabled, and the most vulnerable. Attacks on public services are attacks on these very people. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/72110f9e-0ab1-11df-b35f-00144feabdc0.html
Trade unions need to continue to improve their image, demonstrating our structures are much more representative of our workplaces and communities than they have traditionally been. Cultural change to encourage and empower activists to come forward from groups historically under-represented such as women and black workers is to be welcomed, and continued. This also is required to enable trade unions to be attractive to workers, and the Newcastle City UNISON experience is one to be learnt from. By challenging old concepts of trade unionism, and by engaging with workers, the union was able not only to protect workers job and wages, but also to strengthen services for the users, to build the union, and to hold the council to democratic account. It is a model which needs to be used more in the future to face the challenges ahead.
Trade union membership may have declined, however trade unions remain the largest voluntary membership organisations in society, and must play a leadership role to articulate and shape the type of future society those not on the right want. A society which lifts people out of poverty, one with universal access to public services regardless of ability to pay, and one which does not discrimate against the most vulnerable. Trade unions need to embrace new approaches to organising, make their structures more inclusive and representative, and continue to reach out to work with user groups, local communities, campaign groups, and social movements, both within the UK and across Europe. In this way trade unions will stop the decline in membership, as UNISON has, and will be vibrant, campaigning, relevant and influential organisations
Clare Williams