UNISON WITHDRAW FUNDING FROM LABOUR.

UNISON WITHDRAW FUNDING FROM LABOUR.

PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS DESERTING PRIVATE FINANCE LABOUR

SNP MSP Christina McKelvie – a former UNISON shop steward – has welcomed an announcement today by the union’s general secretary Dave Prentis that the union is suspending donations to 64 constituency Labour parties.

The news follows the publication of a MORI survey - also by UNISON - which shows 70% of public sector workers would not vote Labour at the next election.

Commenting on the latest news Ms McKelvie said:

“These are very significant developments and show how far Labour have lost touch with their traditional support; with trade unions in particular and public sector workers in general.

“This is not simply about Gordon Brown’s style of government but the very policies the London Labour government have enacted and their proposed cuts in public spending.

“Labour's enthusiasm for the Private Finance Initiative has degraded support amongst trade unions and their planned cuts for the public sector - £500 million in Scotland – has cost them the votes of public sector workers.

“In contrast it is the SNP which is gathering support across all sectors in Scotland and is prepared to stand against these cuts. As Dave Prentis has said the recent elections were glimpse into the future.”