591 words, 3 minutes read time. This article first appeared in British Worker, the internal newsletter of Solidarity union.
At the recent union conference in Eastbourne, POA general secretary Steve Gillan delivered a stern message to the Labour Party: There can be no “back-pedalling” on the New Deal for Workers. His warning carries weight, and here’s why:
A Painful History of Broken Promises:
Gillan’s reference to former Labour prime minister Tony Blair’s broken pledge to repeal anti-strike legislation serves as a stark reminder. Unions do not forget easily when promises are left unfulfilled. Workers have endured years of policy shifts, reversals, and disappointments. The New Deal represents hope for positive change, and any deviation from its principles risks repeating past mistakes.
The New Deal for Workers: A Comprehensive Plan
The New Deal for Workers is a comprehensive plan launched by the Labour Party in partnership with affiliated trade unions. Its primary goal is to improve the lives of working people by strengthening individual and collective rights, raising wages, and enhancing working conditions. Here are the key aspects of this transformative initiative:
Strengthening Rights at Work:
From day one on the job, all workers will be entitled to basic rights and protections, including sick pay, holiday pay, parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and protection against unfair dismissal. The qualifying period for these basic rights will be removed, ensuring that everyone is protected from their very first day of employment. Workplace rights and protections will also be strengthened for self-employed individuals, addressing the complexities of legal definitions and rights allocation.
Addressing Insecurity and Low Pay:
The pandemic has highlighted the imbalance of power in the workplace, with wages stagnating for over a decade and work becoming increasingly insecure. In-work poverty and financial insecurity have become rampant, affecting one in six working households. Labour’s New Deal aims to make work more secure, better-paid, and fairer for all, ensuring that workers receive the rights and protections they deserve.
Ending Exploitative Practices:
The New Deal seeks to ban exploitative practices such as zero-hour contracts and “fire and rehire” tactics.
By delivering a genuine living wage and promoting family-friendly work environments, Labour aims to put more money in working people’s pockets, boost economic growth, and enhance conditions for innovation.
Why Is the New Deal Important to Workers?
Security and Dignity:
Strengthening workers’ rights ensures greater job security and stability. When workers have access to basic rights and protections, they can face the future with confidence. The New Deal aims to protect workers from unfair treatment, arbitrary dismissals, and precarious employment situations.
Fair Compensation:
By raising wages and promoting a genuine living wage, the New Deal directly impacts workers’ financial well-being.Fair compensation allows workers to meet their basic needs, support their families, and participate fully in society.
Collective Bargaining Power:
Strengthening unions and collective rights empowers workers to negotiate better terms and conditions with employers. Unions play a crucial role in advocating for workers’ interests, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in decision-making.
Economic Resilience:
When workers are treated fairly and compensated adequately, they contribute to a more stable and resilient economy. A thriving workforce drives productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The New Deal isn’t just about rhetoric — it’s about meaningful changes that impact people’s lives. Actions speak louder than words, and the Labour Party must deliver on its commitments. Gillan’s call to remember the past and shape the future is a rallying cry. Failed policies have consequences, affecting workers’ livelihoods, families, and communities. The New Deal represents an opportunity to break the cycle of disappointment. It’s a chance to build a fairer, more equitable society—one where workers’ rights are respected and upheld.
