Unison calls for 'the biggest demonstration in our Labour movement's history'

Whatever you think about the Unison leadership's role in the pensions dispute, it is very welcome to see this new Unison press release. The union is joining Unite, Coalition of Resistance, Keep Our NHS Public and The People's Charter in calling for a massive TUC national demonstration in the autumn. This is via the Unison website:

The general secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest union, is today calling on the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to organise a record breaking national demonstration in autumn 2012.

The huge demonstration will bring together an alternative coalition opposed to the government’s damaging policies including, public spending cuts, heavy job losses, damaging privatisation and the unfair pay freeze.

Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said:

“The news that we are back in recession confirms our worst fears about this government’s damaging policies. The trade union movement must strengthen it’s alternative coalition bringing together community and local campaigning groups, faith groups and charities that share our vision.

“Our country faces it’s biggest challenges in decades. We need the TUC to organise the biggest demonstration in our Labour movement’s history. Today I am calling on the TUC to set plans in motion to show the government that there is a real alternative. This must include ditching plans to cut taxes for the rich in our society, while those on low incomes and communities all across the country pay a heavy price for the double dip recession.”


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