Having worked as a social worker for many years, I have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by public service workers. Despite being 18 months into a new government, my colleagues and I continue to struggle with declining pay and diminishing services.
Over the years, our pay has been continuously reduced while the cost of living keeps rising. Additionally, the services we have dedicated our careers to have been systematically dismantled by politicians, impacting the communities we serve.
During my entire career within a local authority, I have witnessed the effects of aggressive cost-cutting measures. Since 2010, local authorities across the country have been stripped of £15 billion, leading to significant funding cuts like the more than 25% reduction in Bolton’s council funding. These cuts have real consequences for ordinary people who rely on public services.
Despite promises of national renewal, the Labour party has not been able to reverse this trend. To truly represent the working class, Labour must prioritize their interests over financial markets and business influences.
One crucial step towards improving conditions for public workers is providing them with inflation-proof pay increases and ensuring sector-wide collective bargaining rights through an Employment Rights Bill 2.0. As the UNISON general secretary, my primary focus is advocating for the working class and enhancing their welfare.
It is imperative that Labour shifts its focus from military spending to investing in public services. By prioritizing the needs of the majority, Labour can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and challenge political opponents like Farage.
While the new year symbolizes hope for many, we must not forget the unjust treatment of individuals like Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello who are on hunger strike in prison without being convicted. Their protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza deserves recognition and support.
As a union leader, I am committed to standing with workers and understanding their struggles. I aim to represent the 1.3 million UNISON members faithfully and prioritize their needs.
In light of recent events in Venezuela, it is crucial for political leaders like Starmer to denounce unlawful actions and distance themselves from lawless behavior, such as the reported kidnapping and violence orchestrated by Trump.