I was emailed by my union, Usdaw, which is a union that represents shop, distributive and allied workers. It is the fourth largest union in the UK with over 400,000 members, and it is growing all the time. Its dues are among the lowest in the UK, because it represents some of the most poorly paid workers in the UK. The bulk of its members work in shops like Tesco, Asda, Argos, Primark, Morrison’s, etc. My dues are £1.43 a week. So as you can imagine, workers in this union often live in very precarious conditions. Like many trade unions in the UK, this one supports the Labour party.
In the email, I was asked to vote Labour, and told that a vote for the SNP would harm low-paid workers and make a Conservative win more likely.
Here is the email that I sent back:
“Dear Mr. Hannett,
Thank you for your message.
If Labour is willing to work with the SNP, then there is no danger that a vote for the SNP will cause a Conservative government. Since Labour are unwilling to work with the SNP, I can only conclude that Labour do not care about the democratic voice of working people in Scotland, and that they would rather have a Tory government than work with a progressive Scottish political party! After considering the SNP’s progressive politics, including their stance on Trident, I can’t vote for Labour. Labour has betrayed working people and trade unions time and again.
After considering Labour’s strong anti-immigrant stance and xenophobic rhetoric as Labour tries to appeal to Tory and especially UKIP voters, it would be impossible for any socialist – or indeed anyone with an ounce of international solidarity among workers – to support Labour. A left wing party would place the blame for poverty on its real causes, instead of giving in to far-right rhetoric which places the blame on immigrants and allows capital to continue to exploit workers to its heart’s content.
I hope that trade unions continue to support workers and push for a left wing narrative in society and in politics, rather than simply supporting Labour – no matter how right wing they tack – to keep out the Tories. Workers are tired of this tactic, which – in the long run – makes us poorer. As someone who lives under the poverty line, I am tired of it.
Kind regards,
Hanna Moy”
My email was sent to the communications team, and I hope someone reads it.
Here is the email I received:
“Dear Member,
80% of Usdaw members say they are worse off than 5 years ago. That’s mostly down to decisions by politicians – to keep wages low, to cut tax credits and child benefit, and to stand by while utility companies rip people off. On Thursday you can change all that.
A Labour Government will support working people: Raising the minimum wage to at least £8 an hour by 2019 – 70p higher than inflation. That’s £26.60 a week more if you work 38 hours, £14 a week more for 20 hours. Increasing tax credits and child benefit at least in line with inflation – unlike the Conservatives who will freeze them for 2 more years, costing families with 2 children another £480 a year. Freezing heating bills until 2017 so they can fall but not rise, and give the regulator the power to cut bills when wholesale prices fall.
The next government will be led by the Conservatives or by Labour. A vote for the SNP makes it more likely that the Conservatives will be the largest party at Westminster and will form a government to impose cuts far worse than those we have seen so far. That’s why it is important for Usdaw members – and all working people – to vote on Thursday.
Yours sincerely,
John Hannett
General Secretary”
hannamaria 