Unions notch up anti-Blair rhetoric
Rank-and file members will join union leaders at the TUC’s annual conference next week in a concerted attack on the Blair administration’s case for the war against Iraq.
The Trade Union Congress’ conference in Brighton is likely to hear calls for the UK’s armed forces to be brought home.
Embarrassingly for Labour, a composite motion condemning the UK and US governments’ decision to wage war on Iraq, moved by the Transport and General Workers’ Union (T&G) and several other unions, including the militant RMT, is expected to be passed overwhelmingly.
It will urge the government to withdrawal coalition troops “without delay” from Iraq.
Tony Woodley, general secretary-elect of the T&G is likely to question US foreign policy that targets, unilaterally, “independent states such as Iran, Syria, North Korea and Cuba for regime change.”
The Association of University Teachers has reportedly won support for its demand that student access “be based on ability, not ability to pay.”
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, in a six-page General Council statement on public services, published Tuesday, said:
“It is no secret that government and unions disagree on some public service issues such as foundation hospitals. But while this statement does not hold back criticism when we think ministers are mistaken, it also reflects an increasingly constructive dialogue between government and unions in recent months.
“At its heart is a programme of constructive engagement with government, a welcome for the increased resources available and, as the statement concludes, a determined effort to ‘make progress together’.”
The TUC conference will come two weeks before Labour’s own Bournemouth event, where similar sentiments are expected to be aired.
Tony Blair will also face criticism on the government’s seemingly headlong rush to embrace private finance initiatives, foundation hospitals, and other controversial public sector reforms.
Mr Blair could suffer a defeats over university tuition fees and pensions.
Union leaders will meet on Thursday to discuss what motions go forward for debate at the TUC next week.
