The chaos caused by the Conservative Government in recent times has shown exactly why we need to come together to vote them out. As we get closer to the next general election, it's important that we all have a clear idea of exactly what is at stake and what we are fighting for when we are campaigning for a Labour Government.
We know that Usdaw members recognise the importance of our campaigning after they again voted ‘yes’ to keeping their political voice. In the first result of this round of trade union political fund review ballots, 97% voted ‘yes’. This overwhelming vote shows that our members know that we cannot deliver on all their aspirations by negotiation alone. We are now able to continue our important campaigns to improve workers’ lives and deliver for our members.
Strong Labour Governments have a proven track record of delivery. They have achieved fundamental changes that have left a lasting legacy and improved all of our lives. Key gains like our treasured National Health Service, the fundamentals of equalities legislation, health and safety at work laws that our reps still rely on, the first ever national wage and much much more.
It is worth us taking the time to remind ourselves of these achievements delivered through political action. More importantly, we need to look to the future. Usdaw campaigns for our members, defending their interests by negotiating and campaigning. With all of us working together with our political allies in the Labour Party can do so much more than that, we can secure real and meaningful change.
Only Labour has committed to delivering the New Deal for Working People within the first 100 days of coming into Government. Labour's New Deal for Workers has been written with us, step by step. It contains day one rights for workers, including: protection from unfair dismissal; the right to a contract that guarantees the hours you normally work; increased Statutory Sick Pay, available for all workers; stronger rights for workers to organise their workplaces; a commitment to put mental health on par with physical health; paid family and carers' leave, and so much more.
As trade unionists Labour is on our side, but to deliver for our members and others, Labour needs to be in Government. The industrial strength of trade unions can deliver for members in the workplace, but we need political strength. The rules governing how trade unions can operate, the fundamental employment rights that workers rely on, and the wider policies affecting people's lives are all decided on by Governments.
Labour has a proud track record of delivering for Usdaw members and other working people when in power, but the world doesn't stand still. It's important to look at how the world has changed since the last Labour Government and plan what we want to achieve together in the future.
This is especially important after 12 years of Conservative Government which has seen workplace rights eroded, the welfare system undermined, austerity imposed on vital public services and economic chaos and mismanagement. Usdaw has been working closely with other trade unions and the Labour Party to make sure there are plans in place to improve workers' rights, public services, and the economic situation as quickly as possible after we secure a Labour Government.
We know that a Keir Starmer led Labour Government will make a real difference to our lives is one thing, but Labour winning the next election is another. Key to that election victory is Labour’s recovery in Scotland. Under the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, we have seen Scottish Labour provide meaningful opposition to the SNP Government, revitalise its campaign base of activists and re-engage with voters in Scotland.
Scottish Labour now has the stability to build an election winning campaign. Stability which contrasts sharply with the chaos of the SNP Government. Just as Keir Starmer and UK Labour are doing with the Tories in Westminster, Scottish Labour is demonstrating that they are a credible alternative Government. A Government that would genuinely be on the side of working people, because working people share common interests no matter which part of the United Kingdom they live in and those interests are best served by Labour Governments.
Whether the next general election happens next month or next year, there are some key actions that we can take as Labour supporters, members and activists to support a Labour victory. I don't want to be still writing about Tory failure and Labour promises for a what a future government will do. I cannot wait for the day when I am talking about everything a Labour Government has done, and is still doing, for each and every one of us.