Len McClusky's book “Why you should
be a trade unionist” is a lively and accessible account of the
role
trade unionism has played in the past and the hope which
workers'
organisations provide for the future.
It answers in detail the question,
“What have the unions done for us?” In particular, he praises
those in the so-called “gig economy” who have organised and
fought against some of the most vicious employers in the country
and
won significant victories.
It deals with some issues which are
not usually thought of as trade union concerns. For example the
Grenfell fire which he squarely blames on austerity cuts. “Union
members were involved from the outset, supporting residents in
the
immediate humanitarian response. In those painful days after the
tragedy we provided a vital link to the wider community,
offering
legal advice and representation to many residents, in what will
be a
long road to justice. Grenfell members have also received legal
support from their unions in relation to housing, welfare and
employment issues arising as a direct result of the fire –
injustices that the mainstream media rarely notice.”
On “Unite Community” (of which I
am a member) he writes, “This has become a fundamental part of
our
union’s political response to the Tories’ aggressive agenda of
cuts. It has helped to ensure that we are at the forefront of
political, industrial and community opposition to austerity. We
invited not only the unemployed through our doors but all those
not
in paid work, including students, pensioners, disabled people,
volunteers and carers. This is undoubtedly without precedent in
British trade unionism and it adds another dimension to the
union’s
strength, because giving people not in work the opportunity to
find
their own voice assists us industrially.”
Whether it is dealing with
anti-union
bosses like Ryan Air or the climate emergency, this is a text
book
for anyone interested in the future of society. I enjoyed
reading it.
It educated an old leftie like me and it can do the same for
you.
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