UNIONS BOTTLE IT AGAIN

When you are in a position of strength then it is time to use that position . So somewhat dismayed to read this morning that Trade union leaders will NOT use the fact they have bailed out the Labour Party financially to campaign for key workers rights.
I do not have a problem with the demands which TULO has agreed will be tabled at the next meeting of the National Policy Forum. Free school meals for all primary children and new flexible working rights for parents are measures we can all agree with .
But surely other all-embracing workplace issues should all also be on the agenda? It's one thing not frightening the horses - quite another bottling out of campaigns which have received massive support from the wider trade union and labour movement.
According to the Guardian, UNISON is to propose that primary school children should all get free school meals to help families and increase healthy living. Fine. But what about public sector pay?
· UNITE is proposing that employees have better access to flexible workplace leave. Agree totally. What about the Trade Union Freedom Bill and rights of agency workers
Tony Woodley's call to arms is, "We may have words to say about this government about individual disputes, but let us be clear about one thing: the Tories would be an absolute disaster for working men and women."
Let us also be clear about another thing Tony. If the unions continue to let New Labour off the hook, the Tories are heading fior a landslide in 2010 . And you will have contributed to that