TUC 2024: Usdaw welcomes Paul Nowak’s pledge to work closely with the new Labour government to rebuild Britain

Addressing delegates at the annual Congress in Brighton, Paul Nowak – TUC general secretary said: “We know Keir Starmer and this government have the interests of working people at heart, in the way that the Conservatives never did and never will. No government can put right 14 years of Tory chaos overnight and no government can take on the job of rebuilding this country on its own.

“Politics isn’t a spectator sport. We need to roll up our sleeves and get involved. So, let's pledge today. We will work with the new government to face down those on the right who wish to sow division and discord in our communities. We will always stand with the decent majority and we will always work to bring communities together. Our movement is rooted in communities across the country. On the shopfloor, in the office, the works canteen, the community centre, the high rises and the high streets.”

“We will take the trade union message into more workplaces. Working with good employers to secure the decent jobs our members deserve - but I want to put every anti-union, anti-worker boss on notice. If you think you can get away with paying poverty wages, forcing people into work when they're sick and firing and rehiring your staff: think again. We’re going to take on the bad bosses and we are going to win. A New Deal delivered in full. Rebuilding our public services. Wages growing. Hope back in our politics. Together, we can win for working people.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw general secretary says: “We very much welcome Paul’s address to Congress, in which he absolutely struck the right note. Communities are at the heart of our society, and we will always stand against the far-right thugs who try to destroy them. Our members were on the front line of the impact of the summer riots. Key workers delivering essential services in every community, they were put in extreme danger by violent criminals and looters. There is no excuse for the appalling crimes they committed, and they are rightly being severely punished.

“After 14 years of Conservative government, there are too many communities that have been left behind. Often at the root of that is insecure and low-paid employment that leaves families struggling to make ends meet. The enemies of exploited workers are rogue employers, not migrant workers. Labour’s promise to make work pay with a new deal for workers is the right way to help bring our communities together and improve lives. So, Usdaw will join with the TUC to work with government ministers to help rebuild our country.”