Don’t remain silent over Europe

Next month’s referendum will arguably be the most important vote in the UK in the next fifty years and will be over in less than fifty days. Leaving the European Union would have a profound impact on our jobs, investment and our collective rights at work. Whole sectors of our economy could be seriously disadvantaged for decades to come. In fact economist for the Leave campaign Professor Patrick Minford has admitted that Brexit would ‘mostly eliminate manufacturing’ here in the UK.

It isn’t just about the economy. There would be so many unforeseen consequences elsewhere. Veterans of the Irish peace process fear leaving the EU would introduce greater barriers between a Northern Ireland outside the EU and a Republic of Ireland within. This could increase economic and political tensions. Elsewhere, Scotland’s pro-European voters could quite conceivably call for another referendum on independence to try and re-join the EU. So much hangs on this one referendum. Yet despite the stakes being so high, public discussion has to date been eerily quiet.

There are a number of reasons why the campaigning doesn’t feel like it has come to life yet. Political parties have been focusing on what they know best – ‘traditional’ elections in Scotland, Wales, for Police and Crime Commissioners and councillors. Greater attention will inevitably focus to the big vote in June but with political trust levels still relatively low, it’s going to need more people and different voices to ensure this vote gets the attention it deserves. Given many of us spend at least a third of our time at work then what is discussed within our workplaces could prove decisive.

The TUC is crystal clear that Brexit would put investment, jobs and workers’ rights at risk. Across the North East and Cumbria we are particularly aware of the devastating impact it could have on our region. With the highest unemployment in the UK the North East can’t afford to risk a single job. Trade unions have been intensely busy battling government policies attacking members’ livelihoods and our ability to organise and campaign in recent months.  Many unions will now be engaging thousands of union members in the weeks ahead and having the conversations about the impact leaving the European Union could have.

Some employers who agree about the case to remain in the European Union have been cautious in talking about it to date. Given that the polls are neck-and-neck it is understandable that people don’t want to take a different position to half the public. Yet it is precisely because it is so close a vote that more and more non-party political voices are needed to inform the 10-15% of undecided voters of the risks of leaving and some of benefits of staying.

The next time you are having a cuppa with colleagues at work then bring up talk about the referendum, ask if they’ve made up their mind and say how you plan to vote and why. Many will thank you for it and you could help answer some of their unanswered questions. Don’t wait for someone else to bring up the topic. Chances are, people are waiting for you.

Neil Foster

Policy and Campaigns Officer
​Northern, Yorkshire and the Humber TUC regions