Vote Labour this Thursday and stop the BNP

On Thursday we all have the chance to vote in the European elections.

These elections are very important for Usdaw members and all working people because we need a strong Labour presence in the European Parliament to continue to improve employment rights.

Our rights to basic conditions like paid holidays, paid maternity leave and equal rights for part-timers are all laid out in the European Social Chapter which the Labour Government has signed up to.

But David Cameron has vowed to opt out of it, leaving British workers with little legal protection against unscrupulous employers looking to cut terms and conditions.

I know that you may be put off voting at the moment because of the media coverage of MPs’ expenses, but we cannot allow that to detract from our campaign to improve our members’ lives.

The Tories would love it if union members didn’t vote on Thursday. But make no mistake, our opponents will be voting - and voting for a Tory Party that will have a bonfire of employment rights if they ever get into power.

The Tories want to show that they can beat Labour, but a Tory government would be disastrous for Usdaw and our members because they would:

• abolish the minimum wage, rights to paid holidays and equal rights for part-timers
• drastically cut tax credits for families and low-paid workers
• close the Union Learning Fund, which helps Usdaw members return to learning

In contrast, Labour have been working with Usdaw to deliver:

• A rising minimum wage and 28 days statutory paid holidays
• Vastly increased paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Minimum income guarantees for low-paid workers, families and pensioners

That is why I have no hesitation in asking you to vote Labour on 4 June and to encourage others to do the same.

And if you need any other reason to vote this Thursday – please do it to stop the BNP. The BNP are hoping that people’s anger with politicians will help them to get their fascist and anti-trade union candidates elected.

Every vote counts against the BNP – the more people vote, the harder it will be for them to get elected.

If you want to know more about what Labour has done, how you can benefit, and the threat from the Tories, you can download Usdaw’s new booklet and leaflet – You’re Better off with Labour:

Download You’re Better off with Labour leaflet:
http://www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive/resource_library/1226587912_21754.html

Download You’re Better off with Labour booklet:
http://www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive/resource_library/1064934215_6629.html

John Hannett
General Secretary

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 03-Jun-2009 22:39:44 EST