The importance of this week’s TUC conference can’t be overstated.
It will set the trade union agenda for the run up to next year’s general election, and continue to build momentum ahead of the TUC rally on 18 October.
I have highlighted that pay and public services are the key issues for our members.
Working people who nurse the sick, care for the elderly and keep our communities running. The same people who have lost 20% of their pay under this government, while MPs are given a 10% pay rise.
It is a double standard that we cannot tolerate.
The Tory-led government has imposed its ruthless austerity policies on our members with a smile on its face. But we are fighting back. And it may well be that this is the last fight this government picks with anyone.
In July, we stood alongside our sister unions in a coordinated strike that sent a strong message to the government that we have had enough of poverty pay. That momentum has continued through the summer, and is continuing to build into the autumn.
We are willing to negotiate with employers and the government at any time for fair pay. And there should be no doubt that we mean business.
