Unite Votes to Expel Angela Rayner Amid Labour Tensions

The recent conference of the union Unite in Brighton culminated in a significant decision to expel Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, from its ranks. This motion received overwhelming support and criticized the Labour council in Birmingham for its handling of a pay dispute involving the city’s bin workers, which the union claimed led to substantial pay cuts. The motion also condemned the Labour government for backing the council’s actions.

The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, stated that Rayner had “backed a rogue council that has peddled lies and smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts.” As a result of this motion, Rayner was suspended, although it should be noted that she has claimed to have already resigned from Unite and is a member of Unison, where she previously served as an official.

Implications for Labour and the Union Movement

The expulsion raises questions about the future of Labour’s relationship with its unions. The resolution’s call for Unite to “re-examine” its ties with the Labour Party comes at a crucial time, given recent controversies regarding changes to winter fuel payments and cuts to disability benefits. There are also reports of efforts to establish a new left-wing party, potentially led by former leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana. Such developments could lead Unite, which boasts a membership of over 1.2 million and has historically been a major donor to Labour, to reconsider its affiliation.

If Unite were to disaffiliate from Labour, it could significantly bolster any emerging left-wing party and pose a serious threat to Labour’s electoral prospects. The union has a storied history, having been a prominent supporter of the Labour left for more than seventy-five years. Under the leadership of former general secretary Len McCluskey, Unite played a vital role in electing Ed Miliband as party leader in 2010, only to later criticize him for shifting the party too far to the right. Unite’s support was crucial during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, and as Keir Starmer moves the party in a different direction, dissent within the union is re-emerging.

Current Leadership and Future Directions

While Graham’s leadership indicates a shift towards prioritizing industrial over political concerns, it does not necessarily signal a move towards investing in a new political party. Union leaders often prioritize the practicalities of protecting their members’ interests and may be hesitant to engage in risky political ventures. Despite the tensions, other major union affiliates such as Unison, GMB, and USDAW have largely refrained from publicly criticizing the government, indicating a level of loyalty and a desire not to exacerbate the challenges faced by the Starmer administration.

The Labour government’s employment rights bill, which proposes substantial enhancements to both individual and collective worker rights, is a key factor unions do not wish to jeopardize. Still, the current economic landscape presents challenges. With a struggling economy, stretched public services, and ongoing negotiations regarding public sector pay, even traditionally supportive union leaders may find themselves facing pressure from their members to adopt a more confrontational stance against the government.

As the political landscape evolves, the ramifications of Unite’s recent actions and the broader dynamics between Labour and its affiliated unions will remain a focal point of scrutiny. The road ahead is likely to be fraught with challenges for the Starmer government, requiring careful navigation through the complex interplay of union loyalty and the demands of their membership.