IF anyone needs persuading of the merits of trade union membership they should consider the experience of workers in the construction industry.
Three unions, Unite, UCATT, and GMB, have just won nearly £25m compensation, plus several million pounds in court costs, from 30 construction firms for their involvement in blacklisting workers they considered to be troublemakers.
These payments for 528 workers are no recompense for the pain workers and their families were caused by the illegal action, but show the importance of trade union membership.
Payments range from £25,000 to £200,000, depending on the worker's loss of income and the seriousness of the defamation. Some Bolton trade unionists are amongst those who have finally got a degree of justice after years of struggle.
The costs of research and litigation would have been out of the reach of any individual worker. But thanks to united sustained campaigning by the trade union movement, the workers have defeated several companies which prevented workers fighting for decent working conditions.
The workers united will never be defeated!
Tom Hanley
Bolton TUC
Wood Street Socialist Club
Bolton
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