Could the UK unions look at their French cousins?

On the heels of a million people on the streets of France protesting about the unfairness of workers having to sacrifice jobs and income, we see comparative calm amongst many trade unions in the U.K..

I am concerned that the Unions are not mobilising their members to make their opinions heard in a time of the severest recession since World War Two.

Instead, some Unions preferred to support the Government over their disgraceful decision over the 3^rd runway at Heathrow, neglecting their stand on climate change as well as the plight of millions in the rest of the capital and country, fearful of losing their jobs.

Instead, can they not think more strategically?

This means taking action with national protests, demanding the complete nationalisation of the banks which have been ‘bailed out’.

They should insist this is accompanied by a guarantee that they will not be sold back to the market.

They should call for the removal of the top directors and end the scandal of some failed bankers being paid by this Labour government to extricate us from a mess they themselves created.

The massive protests over Gaza show that ordinary people are prepared to brave the cold and put pressure on the government when it is clear there has been injustice.

Domestically, an economic injustice is now occurring as the beneficiaries (and culprits) of the boom are being saved at the expense of millions of people, who are expected to suffer pay cuts, shutdowns and redundancies.

I wish to express sympathy for all those losing their jobs, such as the 1,000 announced yesterday at London Underground.

Let’s hope the Trade Union movement plays a more prominent role than it has done so far.

Farid Bakht