Owen Temple

Union members: please click on the picture to receive your instructions.

Feelings are running high in this election. Tonight’s wasn’t the first angry call I’ve had, but it was as angry as any. What had incensed this caller was being told by her union who she should vote for.

Like most people, my caller had joined a union for the protection they offer against unfair employment practice. It’s common sense. What she hadn’t joined it for was to be co-opted into the Labour Party. In fact she felt strongly enough about that to have refused the political levy, so Unison post telling her “it is very important that you use your vote for Labour” wasn’t her idea of a subscription well spent.

I’d be interested in the views of other union members. Did you join a union to be told which way to vote? Has your union been openly political in this way? Are you a Unison member in Consett North who has had a letter like this?

One thing I can promise you is that Unison have not been in touch with me to find out why my election would be damaging to its members. I’d have thought they might approve of Liberal Democrat opposition to the scapping of the 10p tax band. I’d have thought they might applaud Liberal Democrat plans to spend as much on the education of the poorest children as is spent on the education of those in private schools. They might even approve of free personal and nursing care for the elderly. The trouble is, if they knew our policies it might interfere with their prejudices.