An Introduction to UNISON's Labour Link

Labour Link History

The Labour Link is the part of UNISON which is linked to the Labour Party. Since the founding days of the union movement, trade unions have been involved in political activity. This activity recognises that the interests of our members have to be promoted through the political process. Unions helped to form the Labour Party in 1900 and have been central to its organisation ever since.

Following the establishment of UNISON members were balloted and decided to have a political fund with two sections. The General Political Fund (GPF) finances political campaigns, such as the Positively Public campaign, in the wider public arena. The Affiliated Political Fund (APF) now know as the Labour Link finances our affiliation to the Labour Party and campaigns associated with this. Members individually choose which fund to contribute to. They can also decide to opt out of any political levy or contribute to both funds.

UNISON and Labour Link Policy

The Labour Link is an integral part of UNISON and holds the same policy positions as the main body of UNISON, as determined at National Delegate Conference and through the NEC on issues such as the Private Finance Initiative, international policy, and employment rights. It is the role of the Labour Link to promote these UNISON policies to the Labour Party.

Labour Link does this through participating in the Labour Party's structures:

• Delegations at National and Scottish Labour Party Conferences
• Participating in the National and Scottish Labour Party Policy Forum processes
• Representatives on the National and Scottish Labour Party Executive Committees

Labour Link also uses its influence through:

• Formal and informal meetings with UK Government and Scottish Executive Ministers - including Ministers that are UNISON members.
• Liaison with MPs, MSPs and MEPs - in particular those elected representatives that are UNISON members.

Labour Link Structures

Like all parts of UNISON the Labour Link is democratic and has annual meetings for the election of delegates and its Committee. The Labour Link Committee is responsible for organising APF/Labour Link activities. It controls the APF budget, co-ordinates campaigns on Labour Party issues and liaises with the Labour Party at all levels. It also ensures the widest possible participation of members in decision making and policy issues.

Local involvement is co-ordinated by Branch APF/Labour Link Political Officers who promote involvement and strengthen links with local Labour Parties.

The Value of the Labour Link

As a result of the Labour Link and UNISON's influence, Labour has adopted many positive areas of policy at UK and Scottish levels including:

• Establishing the Low Pay Commission and the national minimum wage.
• Developing a protocol to address two-tier terms and conditions in PFI and PPP schemes.
• An end to Compulsory Competitive Tendering of public services.
• Funding for trade union learning and education projects, and legal footing for workplace union learning reps.
• Three year funding settlements for local authorities.
• Action on fuel poverty, and a general recognition of the link between poverty and poor health.
• A policy of encouraging equal pay audits and a commitment to provide better data for gender monitoring.
• Stronger equality legislation including improvements to maternity leave and pay, and paid paternity leave and the right to request flexible working.
• A memorandum of understanding between unions and the Scottish Executive guaranteeing trade unions will be consulted on policy proposals.

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