date: 22 March 2002 embargo: None

Attention: Industrial and Political Correspondents

Unions Join Together to Campaign to 'Keep Public Services Public'

Trade unions will gather at a TUC conference in London tomorrow (Saturday) to explore ways of working together, alongside user groups, to campaign more effectively for the best public services in Europe and to ‘keep public services public’.

Speakers at the conference include trade union leaders from AMICUS, ATL, CWU, GMB, NATFHE, NASUWT, RMT, T&G and UNISON, as well as MPs and user groups.

Mick Connolly, Regional Secretary for the TUC in London, the South East and the East of England said:

'The improvement of public services will be the defining issue of this Labour Government. Failure is not an option. But the obsession of the Government with the private sector, despite the evidence of its repeated failure to improve public services, despite the severe impact privatisation has had on the terms and conditions on tens of thousands of workers and despite the opposition of the general public is irrational.

Successful reform of public services can only be delivered by public service workers and constantly threatening them with privatisation is very damaging. The Government should put aside posturing, soundbites and spin and work with trade unions to deliver the improvement in quality of public services we all deserve.'

Martin Gould, SERTUC President said:

'If trade unions work more closely on public services campaigns I am certain that the labour movement will have a stronger and more effective voice in our dialogue with the Government. History shows - together we are stronger.'

(ends)

Notes to Editors:

The conference will be held at Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1

Commences 9.30 - ends 4pm, 23 March

Journalists are welcome to attend

Speakers at the conference are :

Martin Gould (AMICUS), Paul Mackney, General Secretary (NATFHE), Eamonn O’Kane, General Secretary elect (NASUWT), Heather Wakefield (UNISON), Billy Hayes, General Secretary (CWU), Mark Serwotka, General Secretary elect (PCS), Bob Crow, General Secretary (RMT), John Cruddas MP, Paul Kenny (GMB), Phil Wood (UNISON), Chris Wilson (ATL), Alan Carter (CASE) and Barry Camfield, Assistant General Secretary (T&G)

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Press release (500 words) issued 22 Mar 2002