Can Labour’s new deal for workers satisfy the unions as well as business?

Keir Starmer must tread a fine path between those who want him to strengthen workers’ rights and others who fear that doing so will affect productivity, writes Sean O’Grady

The Labour leadership is negotiating with the Labour Trade Union Organisation in an effort to decide what the party’s next manifesto should say (EPA)

For a movement literally founded to promote the interests of working people, the Labour Party has found itself troubled by the question of workers’ rights and the power of trade unions to a remarkable degree. Today, as they will doubtless continue to do over the coming months in the run-up to the general election, the party’s leaders in parliament are negotiating with the Labour Trade Union Organisation (LTUO) in an effort to decide what Labour’s next manifesto should say about employment and industrial relations law.

The LTUO is the umbrella body that represents the 11 trade unions that are affiliated with the party and fund much of its activities. It is led by Mick Whelan, the general secretary of the train drivers’ union, Aslef.

What’s the problem?