Unite explained its affiliation will be reduced by 40%, or £580,000, adding that the actions of Labour against the Birmingham bin workers will ‘not continue to be tolerated’.
Unite is to cut its affiliation to Labour by more than half a million pounds amid anger over the party’s handling of the long-running Birmingham bin strike.
The move by Unite, one of the three largest unions affiliated to Labour and a key donor, comes ahead of a conference next year when members will decide whether they want to maintain ties to the party. Union members have been on all-out strike for exactly a year in protest at plans to reform the city’s refuse collection service.
Unite explained its affiliation will be reduced by 40%, or £580,000, adding that the actions of Labour against the Birmingham bin workers will “not continue to be tolerated”.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
READ MORE: ‘I’ve been on bin strike for a year – city has turned into cesspit, I’m ashamed’READ MORE: Birmingham Council granted injunction banning protests after year-long bin strike
The union claimed the unprecedented move shows the anger of members with the party. A statement said: “Labour’s incompetent behaviour in Birmingham has come on the back of a failed economic strategy, that has left our industrial base fighting for its life. Oil and gas workers facing decimation, buy British defence promises broken, the public sector undervalued and the elderly and disabled under attack.
“Prior to the rules conference next year (which decides affiliation) Unite has made the decision to substantially cut its affiliation and will now formally consult with its members to see whether they want to remain in the Labour Party.”
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite members are coming to the end of the line as far Labour is concerned. Workers are scratching their heads asking whose side are Labour on, who do they really represent, because it certainly isn’t workers. Workers and communities are paying the price. Labour needs to wake up and smell the coffee. The cut in affiliation fee shows the anger of Unite members. Stop taking workers for granted, spine up, do your job and be real Labour.”
A Labour party spokesperson said: “The Labour party is proud to be funded by our dedicated party members, affiliated supporters, trade union members and party donors. The Labour government is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation to address low pay, insecure work and poor working conditions, which will benefit 15 million workers across the country.