Trade unions have been vocal in the cost of living crisis. Without them, we would not have a minimum wage, eight hour days, pension provision, holiday and sickness entitlements.
The London Assembly is today calling on the Mayor to continue his support for trade unions in London and to highlight and support Heart Unions Week in 2023.
It is also urging the Mayor and the London Assembly to encourage trade union membership and stand against any proposals to weaken workers’ rights or conditions.
Elly Baker AM, who proposed the motion said:
“From the minimum wage to holiday entitlements and pension provision, without trade unions the country would be a very different place.
“Trade unions fight for better pay and conditions and provide advice and support in the workplace.
“During the pandemic, union members worked to keep others safe and healthy. Right now, they are speaking up for us all during this cost of living crisis.
“With workers facing such an uncertain financial future trade unions more important than ever. Everyone should support Heart Unions Week – and join a union.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly recognises and supports the work of trade unions in London who come together to improve working conditions and bring positive change to society. Without trade unions, we would not have a minimum wage, eight hour days, pension provision, holiday and sickness entitlements.
There have been numerous studies into the benefits of trade unions which show that workers are twice as likely to be injured in a non-unionised workplace. Additionally, data from UNISON, our recognised trade union at the GLA, found that employees at unionised workplaces earn around 12.5% more than non-unionised workplaces. Other benefits include training for new skills to help with career development, advice on employment rights, and advice on finance and workplace issues.
Trade unions have been vocal in this cost of living crisis, fighting for better pay as prices go up to unaffordable amounts, providing advice and support for members, and holding the Government and Mayor of London to account.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to continue his support for trade unions in the capital and highlight and support Heart Unions Week in 2023. Furthermore, it calls on the Mayor and the Assembly to encourage trade union membership and stand against any proposals to weaken workers’ rights or conditions.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Elly Baker AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Emma Bowden on 07849 303 897. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.