BRIGHTON — The possibility of severing financial connections with the Labour Party was discussed by two unions during a private meeting, should the government weaken its crucial employment rights legislation, according to insights from insiders.
The conversation took place at the Trades Union Congress’s general council on Monday, where representatives from the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) expressed their concerns. Collectively, these unions contributed £700,000 to Labour last year.
Concerns over employment rights legislation
During the meeting, CWU General Secretary Dave Ward indicated that his union would face significant pressure to disaffiliate from Labour if the party were to renege on its commitments to employment rights. ASLEF’s Assistant General Secretary Simon Weller echoed similar sentiments.
This discussion follows a recent internal review by another union, Unite, regarding its ongoing affiliation with the Labour Party, with a potential vote among members scheduled for their next “rules conference” in 2027. Unite has been a substantial supporter of Labour, having donated £1.8 million to the party last year.
Political shifts raise union concerns
Unions are currently convening for their annual congress in Brighton and have expressed worries after the recent dismissal of Angela Rayner and Justin Madders, the ministers overseeing the government’s Employment Rights Bill. This legislation aims to provide protection against unfair dismissal and prohibit “exploitative” zero-hour contracts. It is now entering its final stages in Parliament.
“The government is absolutely committed to the bill, which would be the biggest single upgrade of workers rights in a generation,” stated a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attempting to quell any rumors of potential setbacks.
Some union officials, who requested anonymity, indicated that their concerns were primarily about the specifics and timelines for implementing the bill, rather than any potential alterations to its core elements.
Currently, eleven unions remain affiliated with Labour, and their leaders participate in the party’s internal processes in exchange for substantial financial support. One general secretary expressed skepticism that either the CWU or ASLEF would actually disaffiliate, despite acknowledging that there is growing unrest within Unite.
Another general secretary highlighted the challenge facing union leaders as they navigate their relationships with the government, while also managing dissatisfaction among their left-leaning members, who view the current government as insufficiently progressive. “They’re really struggling to hold the line,” the general secretary remarked.