Unions launch political fund body

At last month's TUC Congress, 20 unions came together to launch the Trade Union Co-ordinating Committee (TUCC), combining their resources in fighting political fund ballots.

Conservative government legislation of the mid-1980s required unions to ballot all their members at least once every 10 years if they wished to set up a fund for political campaigns, which could include affiliation to the Labour Party. Many unions are now facing the third round of such ballots.

Previously unions have been very successful in securing support for political funds with majorities of 80%-90% not uncommon.

However, this will be the first time ballots have been run under a Labour government and with the union-Labour link under close scrutiny in several unions there is concern that many members will associate political funds only with Labour Party affiliation.

The TUCC has set up a website and can provide a wide range of publications and assistance to union reps who want to back their union's campaign with action at the workplace. There are campaign materials, legal guides and other briefings. Much can already be downloaded from the website but reps can also register for material which is not yet available.

Trade Union Co-ordinating Committee, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS; tel: 020 7436 2670; tax: 020 7436 6940; email: [email protected]; website: www.vote-yes.org.uk