Momentous decision

As voters head to polling stations today (June 23), in what’s set to be the most important decision in a generation — whether to remain in the European Union or leave — leaders of the UK’s biggest trade unions today explained why they believe remaining is the best option for working people.

The trade union general secretaries, including Unite’s Len McCluskey, made their case in a letter published in The Mirror today:

Today we face a momentous decision about our country’s future. As general secretaries of Britain’s trade union movement, it is our firm belief that remaining in the European Union is the best way to protect the job security and rights at work of each and every one of the workers we represent, and to create the job opportunities of the future.

Between us we represent four million members. They work in manufacturing, they keep our NHS and social care system running, they work in retail, in education, in postal and telecommunications industries, in construction, engineering, transportation and other sectors. Our members are the lifeblood of Britain’s economy.

The EU needs reforms but it has been vital in securing jobs and protecting rights for every worker in Britain. Those leading the Leave campaign have made clear their intention to “halve the burden” of employment legislation. So we cannot take for granted what we have achieved. Rights like 4 weeks paid leave, maternity rights, and equal pay – without the EU guarantee, a Tory government would be free to strip these rights away, one by one.

Yes, Europe must change – but we will get that change by voting to remain in the EU today and protecting millions of British jobs and our rights at work.

Len McCluskey – UNITE the UNION
Dave Prentis – UNISON
John Hannett – USDAW
Tim Roache – GMB
Dave Ward – CWU
Brian Rye – UCATT
Manuel Cortes – TSSA
John Smith – Musicians Union
Gerry Morrissey – BECTU
Roy Rickhuss – Community