Nowadays when we think of the national minimum wage (NMW), we think of what is roundly accepted as one of the great policy successes of our time. But we shouldn’t kid ourselves that there was unanimity about the need to raise wages.
After 13 long years of Conservative government, nothing works in this country anymore. But instead of getting on with fixing the mess they created, the government is focussed on attacking the right to strike.
It was fantastic to be joined by so many of you in Parliament Square on Monday night to send a clear message to the government:
We will not stand by while you attack our right to strike.
Ninety years ago, the Nazis banned free trade unions. Nine decades later, we remember this step towards tyranny and recommit ourselves to the defence of free trade unions in thriving democracies.
This May Day, let’s resolve to fight for all working people, in all our wonderful diversity. Ultimately, that’s the best way to win the change we need.
Video blog: This week the government rushed their unfair, anti-democratic anti-strike bill through the House of Commons. Join our campaign to stop the bill.
I want my time leading the TUC to focus on one thing: making the trade union movement bigger, stronger and more diverse. That’s how we win for more workers.