Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson praises trade unions during Heart Unions weeks

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has praised unions and the workers they represent during Heart Unions week.

Mr Esterson said he had worked with various unions during the pandemic, from the GMB in the British Gas dispute to the PCS union advocating for a real living wage for every worker.

Mr Esterson said the threat to workers’ rights from the Conservative government means unions are as important as ever.

Mr Esterson said: “During Heart Unions week and every week, our trade unions look out for the workers they represent, whether it’s ensuring the right safety equipment at work, guarding rest breaks or fighting for higher pay, unions are a vital part of our working world.

“For the last year the trade union movement has stood up to protect millions of jobs and keep people safe. It’s union members who deliver front line services, who’ve kept supermarkets open, who have supported vulnerable people and who are now delivering the vaccine programme.

“Some workers have had to endure fire and rehire policies during the pandemic British Gas engineers, airport workers and many more – unions have stood against these damaging policies that ask workers to accept lower pay or worse terms and conditions or face losing their job.

“And now we hear that the government is looking at what workers’ rights they can get rid of, with the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Business who has repeatedly called for workers rights to be cut. Unions will continue to fight for workers’ rights, such as the right to paid holiday and adequate rest breaks. They will be vital as we defend workers’ rights against this government.

“Now is the time to join a union if you are not already a member. The TUC has some brilliant resources at tuc.org.uk. Find your union at findyourunion.tuc.org.uk.”