Workers Uniting Group - Statement of Principles

At a meeting of over 100 Unite members which took place in Derby on April 26th the following statement of principles was agreed and endorsed.

In addition steps were put in place to create a formal Workers Uniting Group Steering Committee based on Unite members from each of the Unite regions as well as co-ordinators of Workers Uniting Groups in every region and sector of Unite.

The Workers Uniting Group
For a Global Union

Statement of Principles

Agreed April 26th, 2009

The Workers Uniting Group will seek to organise and to inform left-progressive members of Unite, internationally, nationally, regionally and in Unite’s sectors.

Workers Uniting Group is open to all members of Unite who share the aims and values of the group and who are prepared to accept and promote the policies determined by the collective decision of the members of the group.

The aims of the Workers Uniting Group are to develop and advance the left-progressive policies and objectives of Unite and to build a strong, cohesive, collective and financially sound union so Unite members can defend and advance their interests at work regardless of job, trade or profession.

Workers Uniting Group will help to build Unite based on the influence of members through their workplace representatives within a democratic structure that excludes outside vested interests.

Workers Uniting Group believes in lay led organisation and control of the union as a fundamental principal.

Workers Uniting Group supports equality for all members at work and within Unite and is opposed to any form discrimination on grounds of gender, sexuality, race, disability, age or religion.

Workers Uniting Group will promote and support policies based on the main pillars on which Unite was founded: Organisation; International; Political

Organisation
Workers Uniting Group supports the recruitment and organisation of workers into Unite in all the industries, services and sectors where Unite members work.

Organising, recruitment and building a strong workplace organisation must be a priority for Unite. These aims and organising campaigns must cover all sectors and regions of the union. Workers Uniting Group will support organising campaigns to secure 100% union membership and to win union recognition in all workplaces where Unite has members.

In order to build strong and effective union structures in every workplace, in groups of companies and in multi-nationals we support the education of reps and the development of union reps networks/combines supported by well-trained union reps and officials in every workplace where Unite has members.

Workers Uniting Group will support Unite members and workers in struggle and who are fighting to improve, enhance and defend pay and working conditions.

Workers Uniting Group supports mergers with like-minded unions in order to create a strong and united union.

International
Workers Uniting Group believes in internationalism.

We support the creation and expansion of the global union ‘Workers Uniting’ by Unite and the United Steelworkers to fight back against global capital; defend members and support workers in struggle where ever they are.

We will support organizations, campaigns and policies, which build international solidarity with other union’s worldwide.

Workers Uniting Group supports the full implementation of pro-worker legislation emanating from Europe. We oppose and will campaign against the European Court of Justice decisions, which undermine social Europe, national agreements and collective bargaining in Europe.

Political
Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight to create an economic and political system in the countries where Unite members live and work which provides financial security and equal opportunity for all. Working with the Labour Party in the UK can provide this.

Workers Uniting Group will support and campaign to build a strong and left-progressive Labour Party in the UK and in Europe.

Workers Uniting Group will organise to gain Unite greater influence within the Labour Party at Westminster, in the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and all political levels in Great Britain and with the Government of the Republic of Ireland in order to win polices to enable our members and workers to protect and defend their interests.

Workers Uniting Group supports the selection and election of Labour Party candidates who fully support the policies of Workers Uniting Group and Unite and who can demonstrate a proven track record to this end.

Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight against the BNP and other racist and fascist groups where ever they are - in the UK, Europe and throughout the world.