GMB nominates Andy Burnham for Leader of the Labour Party. We wish him every success, as Labour leader and as our next Prime Minister, in finding the right answers to the great challenges facing our country.
In 2024, people across the UK voted for change; to move on from the failed years of Tory rule. Yet many GMB members, along with workers everywhere, continue to suffer from the rising cost of living, insecure work, and policies that are destroying jobs and opportunities.
We welcome Andy’s ambition to ‘rewire’ our country, and the positive messages on public control over essential services and utilities. GMB also recognises the statements of support for domestic defence manufacturers and the unionised jobs they host. It is vital that such pledges are followed through into concrete action.
Significant parts of the economy require immediate attention. At present, energy workers and those in manufacturing are losing their jobs because of policies that are hiking energy costs to unsustainable levels and killing critically important national industries. GMB will be watching closely to see evidence of the urgent change that is needed in this area to reindustrialise our economy and bring hope back to communities.
GMB also expects the full delivery of promises made to our union in Labour’s manifesto and since. There must be no betrayal of the workers who keep our public services afloat, with any School Support Staff Negotiating Body delivering for the people who work so hard for our country’s children. The Employment Rights Act must be implemented as intended and not diluted by those wishing the country to remain stuck in a failed past. And, we must see meaningful action to tackle the scandal of pay discrimination, so working women finally get the equal pay they are owed.
Our union’s relationship with the Labour Party is an enduring one. It is driven by purpose and the interests of our members, which must be properly recognised in the policies and direction of this Labour Government under its new leader.
