BECTU is in uproar over election pledge

As unions consider who to support in the Labour Party deputy leadership election, delegates at broadcasting union BECTU's annual conference reconfirmed their union's links with the Party.

The union's annual conference rejected calls by the film artistes section to disaffiliate from the Labour Party on financial grounds.

However, the union was "outraged" that its members would have to pledge support for Labour's policies during the deputy leadership ballot. The Irish Examiner newspaper reported that ballot papers distributed to political levy payers will include a declaration of support for the principles and policies of the Party. If they do not sign their vote will be invalid.

BECTU has protested to Labour, saying it was "outraged" that its members "are expected to sign a statement of support for the principles and policies of the Labour Party". The union plans to send a letter to members with the ballot form which makes it clear that they are against the move.

* Both the Amicus and T&G sections of new general union Unite are supporting Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas in the deputy leadership race and have committed £30,000 to his campaign fund.

Meanwhile, UCATT is advising its members to vote for Peter Hain, with Hazel Blears for their second preference. Rail union Aslef and the BFAWU bakers' union are also backing Hain and the Communications Workers' Union is supporting Alan Johnson. Other unions were still considering the issue as Labour Research went to press.