Letter: Why Labour will always need the unions; why it must let them go
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: As a 'grass-root' member of the GMB trade union, I support the idea of 'one member, one vote' as hoped for by Labour leader John Smith (7 June). The day of the union barons wielding 'block-votes' is past, for they cannot be certain (if, indeed, they ever were) that they speak for their members.
As a 'grass-root', I do not get to see the Labour Party annual conference agenda, so how can my general secretary claim to be voting as my proxy without asking me first?
There may be some motions with which I disagree, others which I would wish amended, and others which I would support. But, along with the other members, Mr Edmonds (GMB general secretary), how does my voice get heard? At present I am not a Labour Party member, but if I were I would want to keep party political matters entirely separate from trade union affairs and vice-versa.
As long as trade union leaders continue to deny 'OMOV' to their members, they will be out of touch with members' views. Likewise, at future party conferences, they must make it clear, when speaking to motions, that they speak as party members only and not wearing their 'union hats'. Should they fail these simple precepts, they will be condemning the Labour Party to perpetual opposition in Parliament.
Yours sincerely,
JOHN BURROWS
General, Municipal & Boilermakers' Union
Leicester Home Care & General Branch
Midland & East Coast Region
Leicester
7 June
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments