Unite cuts more than £500,000 from Labour amid bin strike – London Business News | London Wallet

Labour has encountered a significant financial setback as the union Unite has announced a substantial reduction in its affiliation fee, cutting it by £580,000.

This decision comes in response to intense dissatisfaction regarding the party’s management of the ongoing Birmingham bin strike, which has persisted for over a year.

Unite has said this move is a direct protest against the Labour Party’s handling of the striking workers, highlighting the union’s frustration with what it considers inadequate support for its members.

The union warned that “Labour’s treatment of bin workers will not continue to be tolerated,” underscoring the urgency of their grievances.

Unite describes the decision to cut affiliation fees as unprecedented and sends a clear and powerful message about the depth of anger among its membership.

This financial blow not only signifies a loss of support for Labour but also illustrates the growing discontent that could have serious implications for the party’s future relationship with trade unions and its overall funding.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite members are coming to the end of the line as far Labour is concerned.

“Workers are scratching their heads asking whose side are Labour on, who do they really represent, because it certainly isn’t workers. Workers and communities are paying the price.

“Labour needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

“The cut in affiliation fee shows the anger of Unite members. Stop taking workers for granted, spine up, do your job and be real Labour.”

A statement said: “Labour’s incompetent behaviour in Birmingham has come on the back of a failed economic strategy, that has left our industrial base fighting for its life.

“Oil and gas workers facing decimation, buy British defence promises broken, the public sector undervalued and the elderly and disabled under attack.

“Prior to the rules conference next year (which decides affiliation) Unite has made the decision to substantially cut its affiliation and will now formally consult with its members to see whether they want to remain in the Labour Party.”