Unite to cut affiliation with Labour by more than £500k amid bin strike anger

Unite to reduce its affiliation with Labor by more than half a million pounds; This decision stems from deep anger at the party’s handling of the long-running Birmingham thousand strikes. Union members have been on an all-out strike for a full year, protesting reforms to the city’s garbage collection service.

The union announced a 40 per cent reduction in membership worth £580,000 and added that “Labour’s actions against Birmingham refuse workers will not continue to be tolerated”. Unite described the move as “unprecedented” and said it was indicative of serious anger among its members.

The statement said: “Labour’s inept behavior in Birmingham follows a failed economic strategy that has left our industrial base struggling to survive.

“Oil and gas workers face extinction, Britain’s defense promises are falling through, the public sector is undervalued, and the elderly and disabled are under attack.

“Ahead of the rules conference next year (which will decide membership), Unite has decided to significantly cut its membership and will now formally consult its members to see whether they want to remain in the Labor Party.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members are at the end of the line when it comes to Labour.

“Workers are scratching their heads, asking whose side Labor is on, who they really represent, because it’s not workers at all. Workers and communities are paying the price for this.

“Workers need to wake up and smell the coffee.

“The membership fee cut shows the anger of Unite members. Stop taking workers for granted, stand up, do your job and be the real Labor Party.”