Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour

Executive Council Statement to the 2009 ADM Foreword: John Hannett

Labour in Government has delivered for Usdaw members and all working people.

We need a historic fourth term of Labour in Government to ensure that we keep the new rights and benefits that we have gained. We also need Labour to win again so that we can continue to successfully campaign for improvements for Usdaw members.

Make no mistake, only Labour will deliver for Usdaw members and working people. The Tory threat is very real and they would drive us down into a low-paid economy, allowing rogue employers to undercut each other on basic terms and conditions of employment.

The Tories have shown what they are about in the current global economic downturn. The difference between Gordon Brown and David Cameron couldn’t be greater.

Our Prime Minister is leading the world in dealing with these difficult times. He is putting jobs, homes and hard-working families at the top of his agenda. Doing as much as he can to help people through tough times.

The Tory leader is just standing back and opposing everything the Government is doing to deal with a global recession. The Tories cannot be trusted to run our economy. They refuse to intervene to help hard-working families and are happy to let the recession run its course.

The next General Election will be a simple choice between a Labour Government that stands up for working people and the Tories who will take away employment rights and leave working people at the mercy of a global recession.

Supporting fringe parties like the Lib Dems, or the Nationalists in Scotland or Wales, will only help the Tories win.

Please read this Executive Council Statement, which sets out in detail what Labour has achieved, what Labour will do if they win the next election and what you can do to help Labour win. Complete and return the Volunteer Form at the back of this document.

Having a Labour Government is an essential part of the representation that Usdaw offers its members. With Labour, we can campaign for workplace rights that deliver real gains for our members, improvements to benefits and decent public services for everyone.

Don’t let the Tories take away everything we’ve gained. Vote Labour.

John Hannett General Secretary

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 1 A Message from: The Right Hon John Prescott MP

I am delighted that Usdaw is supporting Go Fourth - The Campaign for a Labour Fourth Term.

Go Fourth aims to support the fight for the re-election of a Labour Government and commits to the principles and values that have won us an unprecedented three consecutive victories.

The campaign’s aims are:

■ To proudly defend the record of the Labour Government since 1997.

■ To actively support the Government in promoting policies that will build on our successes.

■ To encourage greater participation in the Labour Party.

■ To highlight the damage a Conservative Government would do to Britain.

I launched the Go Fourth campaign because at times we all need reminding what we are fighting for. We also need to let people know what we’re fighting against.

The Tory Party may have spent a fortune on slick PR to try and convince people they’re on their side, but the recession has shown that this party of millionaires and businessmen are not prepared to do anything to rein in City excesses, or to help ordinary people who are struggling through no fault of their own.

I know we’ve got a fight on our hands to win the next election. But I believe that Labour’s record in Government and the policies we’ve devised with trade unionists and Labour Party members, to support working people and continue to invest in and improve our public services, are worth fighting for.

Please join us. Visit www.gofourth.co.uk now to register to join the campaign.

The fightback has begun.

Rt Hon John Prescott MP Former Deputy Prime Minister

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 3 Contents

Page

Introduction 5

Section 1: Why are we in Politics? 6 ■ An overview 6 ■ Usdaw’s campaigns 7

Section 2: What has Labour Done for Usdaw Members? 12 ■ New rights and benefits at work 12 ■ The Warwick II Agreement 14

Section 3: Why do we Need a Fourth Term for Labour in Government? 16 ■ The Liberal Democrats 16 ■ Conclusion 16

Section 4: Helping to Achieve a Fourth Term for Labour in Government 18 ■ Informing members and encouraging them to vote 18 ■ Arranging for a Labour MP or candidate 18 to visit your workplace ■ Organising postal votes for members 19 ■ Helping your local Labour Party 19 ■ Usdaw’s key seat strategy 19

Conclusion 21

Appendices 22 ■ Election Campaigning Volunteer Form* 23 ■ Political Campaign Endorser Form* 24 ■ Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators 25 ■ Labour Party Regional Offices 26 ■ Political Campaign Materials Order Form* 27

* Please complete and return these forms Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 4 Introduction

This Executive Council Statement shows that Usdaw needs a historic fourth term of Labour in Government. We say historic because the Labour Party has never achieved four consecutive terms of office.

Too many times in the past, Labour Governments have delivered for working people only for it to all to be undone by the Tories winning office. Since 1997 we have made tremendous gains, which are outlined in this statement, and we must ensure that we do not throw them away.

This statement is a toolkit to help activists improve the lives of our members by getting politically involved and helping Labour win the election. We also aim to show that our election work is about promoting Usdaw’s policies and delivering new rights and benefits for our members by:

■ Helping our members understand the issues and make an informed choice about how they use their vote.

■ Helping our members meet Labour MPs and candidates so they can let them know their issues and concerns.

■ Giving our members the experience and confidence to stand as Labour candidates.

Usdaw needs to mobilise political activists to build a foundation of experienced campaigners who can help us fight for action and improvements for our members. That way we not only help Labour win, we also help Labour deliver for our members.

Politics is an important part of the offer we make as a trade union to our members and this statement encourages reps, activists and members to make a real difference by getting involved in Usdaw’s political work.

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 5 Section 1: Why are we in Politics?

An overview So what issues are we taking up with the Government? Usdaw’s policies are decided at our Annual Why is Usdaw involved in politics? Delegate Meeting (ADM) and the propositions Our role as a trade union is to make things better passed there form the basis of our political for our members and we mainly do that through campaign work. negotiating with employers, but sometimes we need political solutions: Some examples of issues we are currently campaigning on are: ■ To achieve a level playing field for negotiating ■ with employers. Upgrading the minimum wage for young workers and gaining substantial rises in the ■ To introduce fair minimum standards, eg the rate of the minimum wage. minimum wage, minimum paid holidays, and ■ up to 52 weeks’ paid maternity leave. Protection for shopworkers against violence and abuse at work. ■ To improve our members’ lives in other ways – ■ through better pensions, benefits, improving More support for working parents and carers. schools and health services. ■ Protection of New Year’s Day in Scotland.

Why are we linked to the Labour Party? What does our political work involve? Trade unions created the Labour Party to ■ Listening to our activists and members about campaign and act for all working people. Our links the issues and running political campaigns to with the Labour Party mean that we can campaign address their concerns. for what our members need with Labour’s elected representatives. Most members of the Labour ■ Informing our members about new rights and Party and MPs are trade unionists – they benefits that Usdaw has campaigned for and understand what’s important to us and are willing Labour has delivered. to help. ■ Helping to keep the Labour Party in Government so that we can get action on How does Usdaw influence the issues that matter to our members. Labour Party? We can best influence the Labour Party by developing constructive relationships based on mutual trust, understanding and respect. Usdaw’s links at national level with Ministers are important, but much more effective if backed up by Usdaw members raising issues in local Labour Party meetings and policy forums, influencing individual Labour MPs.

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 6 How can you get involved? Usdaw’s campaigns By campaigning with Usdaw and by joining the Labour Party and raising issues there.

MPs listen to their local Labour Party members Campaign Action Checklist and representatives from trade unions. Respect for Shopworkers:

■ Labour Party members have a vote in ■ Run the Respect for Shopworkers survey. selecting candidates for Parliament, councils, ■ the European Parliament, etc. Organise a stall for Respect for Shopworkers Week (2-6 November 2009). ■ Labour Party members can influence policy, ■ go to national or regional conferences, Ask your local councillor what your local represent Labour on a council, or even stand council is doing to tackle anti-social for Parliament! behaviour in your shops and shopping areas. Supporting Parents and Carers:

■ Run a stall on Parents Spotlight Day (3 June 2009) and invite a Labour MP, MEP, Euro-candidate or local election candidate.

■ Give a Maternity and Parental Rights Information Pack to expectant mothers (and fathers!) in your workplace. Young Workers:

■ Run the Young Workers survey to provide evidence for Government on the need for a higher minimum wage for young people.

■ Give out the young workers leaflets in your workplace. Protect New Year’s Day in Scotland:

■ Write to your MSP asking them why the SNP has abandoned their support for protecting New Year’s Day. Migrant and Agency Workers:

■ Offer migrant workers the leaflet Six good reasons why you should join Usdaw – your trade union in the relevant language.

■ Find out any differences between terms and conditions for any agency workers in your workplace, and campaign for equality. Check Out Learning:

■ Link with Union Learning Reps to promote Usdaw membership at the same time as learning promotions. Why not invite your local MP?

page 7 Respect for Shopworkers The threat from the Tories: The Tories opposed much of the anti-crime legislation introduced by Labour delivery: Labour. Measures like anti-social behaviour orders ■ The Home Office has set up the National Retail (ASBOs), which are being used to tackle persistent Crime Strategy Group and given Usdaw and violent shoplifters, are mocked by the Tories representation. This gives the Union a voice at as gimmicks. They say that there needs to be a the heart of Government, helping to make ‘change in culture’, a ‘more respectful society’, but policy that will improve our members’ lives. they haven’t got any policies to deliver that aim.

■ The Government is setting standards through The threat from the Lib Dems: The Lib Dems the National Police Improvement Agency and opposed Labour’s anti-social behaviour legislation through Crime and Disorder Reduction and criticised the jailing of shoplifters, even when Partnerships to improve liaison between the they were violent. police, local authorities and retail businesses Labour’s agenda for a fourth term: Labour’s in the community. They have delivered on a policy paper on Crime and Justice, agreed with key initial aim of Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Usdaw and other unions at the Warwick policy Campaign. forum in July 2008, states: ■ The Government now understands the issue ‘The Government remains concerned about retail and consults with Usdaw on changes in crime, anti-social behaviour in stores and their legislation that affect our members, eg raising effect on the local communities. We have set up the age to buy tobacco from 16 to 18. the National Retail Crime Strategy Group, which ■ Following Usdaw’s lobbying through the brings together retail employers and Usdaw to Labour Party’s National Policy Forum, the advise on the issue. We will work with all sectors Government committed additional funds to that employ frontline staff and with unions to the ‘No ID – No Sale’ advertising campaign. tackle violence, threats and abuse against people at work. This is totally unacceptable and we will ■ The Government has invested £15 million in promote the use of the whole range of the criminal helping local community stores to improve justice system to tackle such criminal acts, their security and safety for staff. including the use of anti-social behaviour powers ■ Local authorities are starting to look or custodial sentences where appropriate. The specifically at tackling anti-social behaviour in police, local authorities and CDRPs should work shopping areas through their Crime and closely with local shops on preventative measures Disorder Reduction Partnerships. Wakefield against violence in store, and to ensure that tough and Leeds have produced leaflets jointly with enforcement action is taken – including through Usdaw aimed at shopworkers. the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), dispersal and parenting orders, ASBOs, ■ Magistrates’ guidance was amended, Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs), and fines and following Usdaw campaigning, to state that, custodial sentences for serious or persistent where violence is used in the course of shop offenders. We also recognise the threats faced by theft, it should be treated as aggravation of the public service workers in dealing with violent and offence and dealt with accordingly, possibly potentially violent situations and are committed to with a custodial sentence. improving their safety in such situations.’ ■ We have received tremendous support and recognition from Labour MPs and Labour representatives in the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. In turn they have helped to spread our message of respect for shopworkers in their communities and to local councils and the police.

page 8 Supporting Parents and Carers ■ Strengthening the right to request flexible working so that employers cannot turn down Labour delivery: Labour has transformed support a request without due consideration. for new parents since 1997, with a whole raft of policies aimed at improving work/life balance and ■ Increased Carer’s Allowance and greater helping to make work pay including: flexibility for working carers in claiming it.

■ Extended paid maternity leave from 14 weeks Tory threat: The Tories have always been to nine months. The same rights are available opposed to tax credits and are committed to for parents adopting a child. scrapping important employment laws including:

■ Increased maternity pay from £52 per week ■ The working time regulations, which guarantee under the Tories to £123 per week. the right to breaks and paid holidays for all.

■ Two weeks’ paid paternity leave. Additional ■ Equal rights for part-time workers. paid paternity leave of up to six months will be ■ available from April 2010. Closing Sure Start centres and not building any new ones, in contrast to Labour. ■ Formalising the right to request flexible working for working parents of children up to Labour’s agenda for a fourth term: the age of 16, parents of disabled children up ■ Better financial support for carers. to the age of 18 years, and working carers of an elderly or disabled adult. ■ Increasing the age limit for parental leave.

■ 12.5 hours per week of free nursery care for ■ A Sure Start place for every child. three and four year olds and up to 80% subsidy for childcare for low income families through tax credits.

■ Tax credits for all working parents with a household income of less than £58,000 per year.

■ The right to parental leave and time off for emergencies.

Usdaw is a key participant in the review of the National Carers’ Strategy, working at the heart of the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver a better deal for working carers.

Usdaw’s agenda: Although the Government has delivered on many of the issues that Usdaw has campaigned on, we are still working to improve the lives of our members by calling for:

■ Paid emergency leave and parental leave, so that low-paid workers are able to access these important rights to time off.

■ Parental leave for children up to 16 years of age (the age limit is now six).

page 9 Young Workers Protect New Year’s Day in Scotland Labour delivery: While introducing extensive new Labour delivery: Labour in the Scottish rights for all workers, Labour has also delivered Parliament delivered the Christmas Day and New specific new rights for young workers including: Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act 2007 following a hard-fought campaign by Usdaw’s members and ■ Following Usdaw’s campaign, the Government activists. This Act represents the first shop trading extended the National Minimum Wage (NMW) hours legislation in Scotland since the Tories to 16 and 17 year old workers. deregulated the sector in 1994. ■ Education Maintenance Allowance of up to The Act delivers an immediate ban on large stores £30 per week for many 16-20 year olds in opening on Christmas Day. It also makes provision further education, helping more young people for a ban on New Year’s Day trading, subject to improve their chances in life by gaining further investigation. The Labour Party in Scotland qualifications. remains committed to delivering the New Year’s ■ Additional working time protection for workers Day ban after conducting a research study. under 18 years of age. Usdaw’s agenda: Usdaw is campaigning for the Usdaw’s agenda: The main thrust of the Young ban to be enacted as soon as possible. Workers Campaign is to get the adult rate of the Unfortunately, the SNP were elected to govern minimum wage of £5.73 per hour to be applied at Scotland in May 2007, and they have cancelled 18 years old. At the moment 18-21 year olds are the research study. The SNP reneged on the only entitled to £4.77 per hour. Executive’s promise to deliver this study despite voting for it along with over 100 MSPs from most We also want to see the 16-17 year old minimum parties. wage substantially increased from £3.53 per hour to 80% of the adult rate. Tory and SNP threat: The Tories consistently opposed Usdaw’s Christmas Day and New Year’s Tory threat: The Tories opposed the introduction Day Campaign from day one. of the NMW and have opposed every above- inflation increase. We have no doubt that the The SNP supported the Act in Parliament, but Tories will allow the NMW to ‘wither on the vine’ as once elected to Government they changed their they devalue it by blocking any further substantial minds. rises. You might say that at least the Tories were honest They have also vowed to opt out of the European about opposing protection for shopworkers on the Union (EU) Social Chapter which includes the two most important days of the Scottish calendar. additional working hours protection for young The only way to get a ban on New Year’s Day workers. trading enacted is to ensure that Labour is Labour’s agenda for a fourth term: returned to power in Scotland as soon as possible. ■ Every 16 and 17 year old to have a place in further education, training or an apprenticeship.

■ The right to vote at 16 years of age to make sure every party addresses the needs of 16 and 17 year olds.

page 10 Migrant and Agency Workers Check Out Learning Labour delivery: The EU Directive on Temporary Labour delivery: Labour has made raising the and Agency Workers will be implemented soon. basic skills of workers a key goal. Through the The Directive gives agency workers the right to introduction of the Union Learning Fund and equal treatment with permanent employees on statutory rights for Union Learning Reps (ULRs), pay, working time, holidays and protection against Labour has helped Usdaw develop our lifelong discrimination after 13 weeks with the same learning services to members. employer. From 2010 employees will have the right to This Directive not only offers protection to agency request time to train to encourage more employers workers, but it helps protect permanent staff too. to enable staff to fulfill their potential by investing It stops rogue employers from under-cutting in training. Employees will also be able to access permanent staff by employing agency workers on Government money for training through their own worse terms and conditions. Personal Skills Account.

The many new employment rights delivered by Usdaw’s agenda: Usdaw is encouraging the Labour in Government have directly helped all Government to go further by introducing the workers improve their terms and conditions. following policies to improve workplace learning: Migrant and agency workers have also benefited ■ Statutory workplace learning committees, from: along the lines of health and safety ■ The National Minimum Wage. committees. This will allow employers to sit down with ULRs to co-ordinate site learning. ■ New sanctions to control employer deductions from wages for accommodation, meals, ■ The right to five days’ paid time for learning for finding work and transport costs. all employees with less than Level 3 skills.

■ The Working Time Regulations, which ■ Free lessons in English for Speakers of Other guarantee rights to breaks and paid holidays Languages (ESOL), ensuring that ULRs are for all. able to offer learning opportunities to migrant workers. ■ The right to join a trade union and be represented in grievance and disciplinary Tory threat: The Tories will scrap the Union hearings. Learning Fund and attack anything related to trade unions and lifelong learning services. ■ Protection from discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, pregnancy, sexual It is highly unlikely that Usdaw would be able to orientation and religion or belief. continue all our excellent lifelong learning services without Labour in Government. ■ Extended paid maternity leave and paid paternity leave.

Usdaw’s agenda: We are campaigning for the EU Directive on Temporary and Agency Workers to be implemented at the earliest opportunity.

Tory threat: The Tories are committed to scrapping important employment rights introduced through the EU Social Chapter, including the Working Time Directive and the Part-Time Workers Directive. We can only assume that they would also oppose the Temporary and Agency Workers Directive.

page 11 Section 2: What has Labour Done for Usdaw Members?

4. Right to Opt Out of Sunday Working New rights and (Scotland) benefits at work ■ Scottish shopworkers were not included in the 1994 legislation to enable shopworkers Usdaw has a proud record of winning legislation to opt out of Sunday working. from Government and action from companies as a result of our campaigns. ■ In 2002 thousands of Argos staff in Scotland were forced to change their contracts to Since the Labour Government came to power in work on Sundays. Some who refused to 1997, thousands of our members, working with sign were dismissed. Labour politicians, have helped us to deliver: ■ Usdaw’s campaign resulted in 1. Protect Christmas Day compensation for sacked Argos workers ■ Large stores in the south-east had trialled and new legislation to give Scottish Christmas Day opening. shopworkers the right to opt out of Sunday working. ■ Usdaw’s campaign included a petition of 300,000 signatures and thousands of letters 5. Stopping the Extension of Sunday Trading to MPs. ■ Large retailers had been pressing for the ■ A Bill was passed in 2004 to prevent large Sunday Trading Act to be scrapped so that stores in England and Wales from opening large stores could open all hours on on Christmas Day. Sundays.

2. Protect Christmas Day in Scotland ■ In 2005 the Government announced a review of the Sunday Trading Act. ■ We needed a bill in the Scottish Parliament to give similar protection in Scotland. ■ Usdaw launched a full-scale campaign against the abolition of the act. ■ The Christmas Day trading ban was delivered in 2007 with a pledge from the ■ Over 6,000 members completed surveys Scottish Government to include New Year’s enabling Usdaw to show the opposition of Day after further investigation. staff. Thousands of members also wrote to their MP. ■ The new SNP Government has scrapped this pledge, so Usdaw will continue to fight ■ In June 2006 the Government agreed that on to protect New Year’s Day in Scotland. no action was needed to extend Sunday trading hours. 3. Minimum Wage for 16 and 17 year olds

■ When those under 18 years of age were left out of the minimum wage, Usdaw was the only union that continued to fight their cause.

■ In 2004 we were rewarded with the minimum wage being extended to 16 and 17 year olds.

■ We do believe the rate of £3.53 per hour is too low, and we are continuing to fight for it to be raised, and for the adult rate to be extended to 18-21 year olds. Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 12 6. Rights for Union Learning Reps 10. Respect for Shopworkers

■ Usdaw argued the case for Union Learning Our long-running campaign has helped to Reps (ULRs) through the Labour Party deliver: policy forum process. ■ Increased Government resources for safety ■ The Government agreed that the policy in shopping areas. should go in the manifesto for the 2001 ■ More company commitment to staff safety. election and they delivered on this in 2003. ■ Signs in thousands of stores calling for ■ Hundreds of ULRs in Usdaw now use the respect for shopworkers. right to paid time off for training and have encouraged thousands of members back No wonder Usdaw is now known as the into learning. campaigning union.

7. Tax Credits Claim It Campaign With your help, we can achieve even more for our members. ■ Usdaw has helped thousands of our members to claim tax credits. Further information ■ We will continue to encourage more low- For further details on Labour’s achievements paid members without children to take up please see Usdaw’s You’re better off with Labour their entitlement to tax credits. booklet. 8. More Paid Holidays

■ In 2004 Usdaw used the Labour Party policy forum process to press for an increase in statutory paid holidays.

■ This was agreed as part of the Warwick Agreement between the Labour Party and trade unions.

■ As a result, from October 2007, the right for all workers (including agency and casual staff) to holidays increased from four weeks to 4.8 weeks per year and to 5.6 weeks from April 2009. 9. Longer Maternity Leave and Better Maternity Pay

■ Under the last Tory Government, maternity leave was only 14 weeks and maternity pay was just £52 per week.

■ Usdaw’s Supporting Parents and Carers Campaign has helped to deliver an increase to 39 weeks’ maternity leave at £123 per week.

page 13 The Warwick II 2. Supporting Parents and Carers ■ Extending parental leave for parents of Agreement children up to 16 years of age so they can take their children to medical appointments, Gains for Usdaw Members at the National attend sports days, and give support during exams. Policy Forum 2008 ■ A fairer deal for carers that alleviates Because Usdaw is affiliated to the Labour Party, financial hardship and allows carers to we have representatives on the Party’s National combine work and care, and practical Policy Forum, the body that decides the policy assistance that allows them to get and statements on which Labour’s election manifestos maintain a job. are based. ■ Giving the same right to return to work after At the forum in Warwick in July 2008, Usdaw was additional maternity leave as after six pressing for 48 policy commitments as part of a months’ of ordinary maternity leave. trade union agenda of over 200 issues. Usdaw secured agreement on a wide range of policy ■ Ensuring women on maternity leave who do areas that will form part of the agenda for this ‘keeping in touch’ days are paid fairly for Labour Government and for Labour’s next any work they do. manifesto. These are issues that will help many ■ Consulting on giving the option of taking union members across the country. paternity leave in two separate blocks of 1. Fairness at Work one week each rather than two weeks together, if the father prefers. ■ Extending the adult rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to 21 year olds and ■ More affordable childcare for parents who asking the Low Pay Commission to look at have to work outside normal office hours further changes to support younger and during school holidays. workers. ■ Changes to the tax credit system to make it ■ Asking the Low Pay Commission to make a easier to use. recommendation on giving apprentices the 3. Lifelong Learning NMW. ■ Providing free ICT courses up to GCSE ■ Looking at enabling trade unions to take up level. NMW underpayment cases on behalf of groups of workers. ■ Giving every adult the legal right to learn basic skills up to the equivalent of five good ■ Uprating statutory redundancy pay and GCSEs. reviewing the current cap on preferential debts paid to employees when a company ■ Introducing the right to request time for becomes insolvent. training in 2010 to enable all employees to discuss their skills needs with their ■ Allowing employment tribunals to make employer, backed up by their Union wider recommendations in discrimination Learning Rep. cases that will benefit the wider workforce. ■ Introducing Personal Skills Accounts in ■ Ending the practice of employers being able 2010 to give every employee the means to to count tips as part of the NMW. fund skills training courses.

page 14 4. Health and Safety

■ Protection for staff against working in high temperatures.

■ Promoting the whole range of the criminal justice system, including anti-social behaviour powers and custodial sentences, to deal with violence, threats and abuse of front-line workers such as shopworkers.

■ Police and local authorities to work closely with local shops on preventative measures against violence in stores.

■ Develop a national network of safe and accessible parking areas for HGV drivers. 5. Public Services

■ After-school clubs and/or breakfast clubs in every school by 2010.

■ Significant expansion of youth services.

■ Continued use of ‘deep clean’ to tackle hospital-acquired infections.

■ At least 200 new or refurbished schools by 2011.

■ New standards of healthy and nutritious food in hospitals and care homes. 6. Other

■ Lowering the voting age to 16 years.

■ Building more affordable social housing with 45,000 more homes a year over the next three years and 50,000 per year more from 2012.

page 15 Section 3: Why do we Need a Fourth Term for Labour in Government?

Labour is helping people to The Tories would do nothing, let survive the global recession ECONOMY the recession run its course, and by borrowing to invest leave people to sink or swim

Labour introduced the The Tories will let the minimum wage National Minimum Wage, which has PAY ‘wither on the vine’ with low increased by 60% in 10 years or no increases in the rates

Labour has introduced minimum WORKING The Tories will scrap the protection paid holidays of 28 days on top of HOURS on working time as we return to rights to breaks and time off a long-hours culture

Labour is helping people find The Tories would not borrow to work through Jobcentre Plus EMPLOYMENT invest in jobs. “Unemployment is and investing in new jobs a price worth paying,” they said

Labour will extend equal rights WORKPLACE The Tories will scrap important for part-time and fixed-term workers RIGHTS employment rights and drive us to agency workers into a low wage economy again

Labour introduced tax credits to The Tories opposed tax credits help make work pay and have TAX CREDITS and would halt increases that help increased rates above inflation lift families out of poverty

Labour is investing in skills and The Tories would scrap Labour’s training to help people stay in work TRAINING £1 billion training fund and reduce and get new jobs apprenticeship funding

Labour introduced Union Learning Reps LIFELONG The Tories will scrap the and will bring in the right LEARNING Union Learning Fund that helps to request training workers access lifelong learning

Labour’s mortgage interest The Tories would do nothing, support scheme has improved to HOUSING leaving people to sink or swim help people keep their homes whilst their homes are at risk

Labour’s no-nonsense approach The Tories plan to cut £160 million has brought crime down by CRIME out of the policing budget – the 39% since 1997 equivalent of 3,500 officers

Labour is set to expand The Tories will cut 20% out the hugely successful Sure Start EARLY YEARS of the Sure Start budget, which scheme to every child threatens one in five family centres

Labour is bringing forward £800 million The Tories plan to cut the school of investment in schools, which SCHOOLS building programme, shelving is opposed by the Tories 360 improvement projects

Labour brought hospital waiting The Tories would scrap Labour’s times below 18 weeks. Almost all HEALTH tough targets that have reduced waits are less than 13 weeks waiting times and mortality rates

Labour increased local council The Tories would cut vital local funding by 4.2% this year, despite LOCAL SERVICES services as they withhold the global recession £240 million from local councils

Labour continues to invest The Tories would axe important in public transport despite TRANSPORT transport improvements as they the global recession make £840 million transport cuts

Labour introduced the The Tories won’t promise to keep Winter Fuel Allowance and free PENSIONERS the Winter Fuel Allowance if they bus travel for all pensioners win the next election

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 16 The analysis shows very clearly what a disaster The Liberal Democrats the Tories would be for us all with their pledges to:

A general overview is that the Lib Dems are ■ Make sweeping cuts in public services seeking to create Utopia. Indeed Utopia might just because they won’t commit to Labour’s be created if they could fund what they say they spending plans. want to do. It’s easy to make worthy statements and to list good intentions when deep down you ■ Leave working people to fend for themselves know that you’ll never have to put them into in the global recession because they won’t practice. borrow to provide help for the economy.

In terms of specific issues that Usdaw campaigns ■ Abolish the EU Social Chapter, including any on, the Liberal Democrats are: right to paid holidays and breaks.

■ In favour of the complete deregulation of shop ■ Oppose above-inflation increases to the trading hours, which means that if they were National Minimum Wage. elected shops would be open 24 hours per ■ Cut the Sure Start programme that provides a day, 7 days per week, including all day on lot of help for new families and much-needed Sundays, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. local community centres. ■ Opposed to the National Minimum Wage. ■ Scrap the New Deal that has helped over one They voted against its establishment and have million workers off benefits and back into opposed increases in the rate. work. ■ Opposed to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders ■ Abolish the Union Learning Fund, which (ASBOs), which are key to the Government’s provides lifelong learning opportunities for strategy for tackling crime. Usdaw has thousands of Usdaw members. campaigned for ASBOs to be used in shopping centres to help tackle repeat ■ Use taxpayers’ money to subsidise private offenders who are violent and abusive towards schools and private health services. shopworkers. They also opposed locking up So we must do all in our power to prevent the any shoplifters – even violent ones. return of a single extra Tory MP – no constituency in the country deserves an MP with those policies. Conclusion The Labour Party is committed to building on the work they have done so far and putting major It is difficult to appreciate just how much the investment into public services (health, education Labour Government has achieved in the last 12 and transport), into pensions, and into training and years. Not only have we seen legislation to help us skills. achieve genuine fairness at work, but the groups that the Labour Government set out to help in So we, as individuals and as a Union must get 1997 have also seen big improvements: involved – not just to deliver a fourth term for the Labour Government, but to make sure that Labour ■ The long-term unemployed. stays on track and that they continue to deliver for our members. ■ Thousands of young unemployed people. The next section sets out how we can do this. ■ The poorest pensioners.

■ Working families with children.

■ Low-paid workers.

page 17 Section 4: Helping to Achieve a Fourth Term for Labour in Government

Usdaw and our members need a Labour ■ What we could lose under the Tories. Government: See Section 1 for all the information you need. ■ To deliver more for our members. Please order copies of Usdaw’s booklets and ■ To prevent the Tories winning and undoing all leaflets You’re better off with Labour to give out of the Labour Government’s good work. in your workplace. The next General Election will be closely fought. Around 150 Labour MPs are in marginal seats which the Tories are targeting. If Labour lose 30 Arranging for a Labour seats or more, they will lose the majority in Parliament and we will no longer have a Labour MP or candidate to visit Government. your workplace Just a 1.5% swing to the Tories would lose our Visits to workplaces by politicians give our Labour Government. members the chance to get to know their local MP We need your help over the coming months. Even or Labour candidate. This is important because: if an election is not just around the corner, the ■ Our members can put across their views to most valuable political work can be done now. their MP about issues that affect them. The earlier a visit takes place, the more chance the MP or candidate has to act on any cases Informing members and where they may be able to help. encouraging them to vote ■ The MP can tell members about initiatives that they might benefit from such as tax credits, With the media and the public mood so hostile to Sure Start, or Education Maintenance politicians in general and the Labour Government Allowance. in particular, it is very difficult to find a rational debate on the differences between the parties, ■ If members feel they know the MP, they’re especially on key issues for our members such as more likely to vote for them or help the rights at work. campaign.

Usdaw reps and activists can play a crucial part in ■ If they have visited your workplace, it’s easier talking to colleagues at work, helping people to to contact the MP or Labour Party when we understand the political choices at the next need something doing. election. As an Usdaw activist, you are respected Many companies are happy for Labour MPs and in your workplace and you understand Usdaw’s candidates to visit their workplaces – especially campaigns. well before a General Election is called, when a When you take Usdaw’s campaigns into your visit will be less ‘political’. workplace, please ensure members and For full details and advice, see Usdaw’s Political colleagues realise that the success or failure of our Resource Sheet 5 – Arranging a Workplace Visit campaigns depends on which political party is in for a Labour MP or Candidate. power. They need to understand:

■ What we have gained under Labour.

■ What more we could achieve under another Labour Government.

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 18 Organising postal votes Helping your local for members Labour Party Many of our members don’t bother voting – often There’s always loads of work for the local Labour because it’s too much hassle. Postal votes make it Party to do and any helpers will be welcome, even much easier to vote. Anyone can get a postal vote if you can only spare a couple of hours. – you don’t have to give a reason. The Tories have the money to pay thousands of Encouraging and organising members to apply for pounds for professional people to campaign in postal votes is therefore one of the most valuable many constituencies. The Labour Party has to rely ways of helping Labour win, and giving Usdaw on volunteers, so your help will always be much members more of a voice by encouraging them to appreciated. vote. Anyone can help out – you don’t need to be a Encouraging our members to apply for postal or member of the Labour Party or know a lot about proxy votes is not party political. It is a job that politics. Election work is friendly and fun and can be done at any time before the last two weeks there’s great team spirit. Jobs you can help with of the election – the sooner the better. include:

Usdaw wants to ensure that our members’ voices ■ Stuffing envelopes. are heard by the politicians and political parties ■ Delivering leaflets. and the best way to do that is by voting. ■ Inputting information onto a computer. See Usdaw’s Political Resource Sheet 4 – Organising Postal Votes for Members for full ■ Phoning voters. details and how to obtain postal vote application ■ forms. Helping at a street stall. ■ Accompanying the Labour MP or candidate, calling on voters.

Phone Usdaw’s Politics Office on 0161 249 2452 to find out about your local Labour campaign.

Usdaw’s key seat strategy Usdaw has a proud tradition of helping the Labour Party in key marginal seats where we have built strong links with the local Labour Party and the MP.

Divisional Political Committees are already campaigning in 19 marginal seats in the run-up to the election, and would appreciate help from as many reps and members as possible.

As you know, there’s a great team spirit in Usdaw – especially when we’re fighting for a cause we believe in, and a party and politician we’re proud of.

Contact the key seat co-ordinator or your divisional office for details of what’s going on in your division.

page 19 The key seats and their co-ordinators are:

MP or Candidate Constituency Notional Division – Official Majority

Parmjit Dhanda MP Gloucester 4,443 A – Tracey McGregor

Julie Morgan MP Cardiff North 1,146 A – Alun Williams

Ben Bradshaw MP Exeter 8,444 A – John Crick

Bill Rammell MP Harlow 473 C – Tracey Low

Charles Clarke MP Norwich South 3,272 C – Stuart Sharman

Joan Ryan MP Enfield North Tory 275 C – Chris Hope

Jacqui Smith MP Redditch 2,130 E – Sarah Hughes

Brian Jenkins MP Tamworth 2,569 E – Darren Matthews

David Kidney MP Stafford 1,815 E – Mark Jarvis

Shona McIsaac MP Cleethorpes 2,642 F – Sharon Hargrave

Colin Burgon MP Elmet & Rothwell 5,723 F – Mike Brewer

Roberta Blackman-Woods MP City of Durham 3,273 F – Jayne Shotton

Nigel Griffiths MP Edinburgh South 405 G – John Allen

Jim Murphy MP East Renfrewshire 6,657 G – John Tonner

Michael Foster MP Hastings & Rye 815 H – Rafael Rey

Stephen Ladyman MP South Thanet Tory 586 H – Paul Reynolds

Andrew Smith MP Oxford East 686 H – Daniel Knowles

Phil Woolas MP Oldham E & Saddleworth 4,475 K – Don McKinlay

David Williams Crewe & Nantwich Tory 7,860 K – John Mace

We have seen that Usdaw and our members need Ideally, we should be building a solid foundation a fourth term of a Labour Government: for a fourth term of Labour Government, so we do need to make sure that Labour win as many seats ■ To deliver more for our members. as possible. However, it is important not to be ■ To prevent the Tories winning and undoing all complacent and not to take a single vote for the good work that Labour has done. granted. The most important factor in the election will be for Labour supporters to vote. A swing to the Tories of just 1.5%, or 10% of Labour voters not voting, would lose Labour the election and give the Tories the opportunity to destroy all our hard-won gains for working people.

page 20 Conclusion

This Executive Council Statement has set out:

■ Why we’re in politics.

■ Our campaigns and how you can help.

■ What the Labour Government has done for our members.

■ Why we need another Labour Government.

■ How to help Labour win again.

Our aim has been to set out the issues for our members, to show how important they are and to show how important it is for Usdaw members to get involved.

Only by our members getting involved can we highlight to every MP, every local councillor and every local Labour Party the issues that matter to our members, how they affect them and what Labour needs to do about them.

By helping out in elections we can create a constructive relationship with Labour MPs, and they can get to know our members, our workplaces and our issues.

We certainly need another Labour Government, but we need more than that – a Labour Government that knows and appreciates Usdaw and our members.

So the real message of this Executive Council Statement is: Just get involved to be a part of two winning teams – Usdaw and Labour.

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 21 Appendices

■ Election Campaigning Volunteer Form.

■ Political Campaign Endorser Form.

■ Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators.

■ Labour Party Regional Offices.

■ Political Campaign Materials Order Form.

Go Fourth with Usdaw and Labour page 22 Please complete and return this form

✄ page 23

Please complete and return this form Please complete and return ✄ page 24 Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators

South Wales and Western Division Southern Division Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland, Divisional Officer: Dennis Beddoe, Cardiff – Tel: 029 2073 1131 Morden – Tel: 0208 687 5950 Political Contact: Alun Williams, Political Contact: Paul Reynolds, Cardiff – Tel: 029 2073 1131 Faversham – Tel: 01795 532637

Eastern Division North West Division Divisional Officer: Norrie Slater, Divisional Officer: Mike Aylward, Waltham Cross – Tel: 01992 709280 Warrington – Tel: 01925 578050 Political Contact: Tracey Low, Political Contact: John Mace, Waltham Cross – Tel: 01992 709280 Warrington – Tel: 01925 578050

or contact Midlands Division Divisional Officer: Gary Holz, Usdaw’s Political Office Redditch – Tel: 01527 406290 Ruth George or David Williams, Political Contact: Mark Jarvis, Central Office – Tel: 0161 249 2452 Redditch – Tel: 01527 406290 North Eastern Division Divisional Officer: Mike Brewer, Leeds – Tel: 0113 202 6000 Political Contact: Jayne Shotton, Newcastle – Tel: 0191 296 5333 Scottish Division Divisional Officer: Lawrence Wason, Glasgow – Tel: 0141 427 6561 Political Contact: Stewart Forrest, Glasgow – Tel: 0141 427 6561

page 25 page 26 Please complete and return this form

✄ page 27 Improving workers’ lives – Winning for members

Usdaw, 188 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 6LJ

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