3
June
2013
GFTU delegates wrapped up their historic 100th conference today with a pledge to work even harder for smaller and specialist unions and campaign to change Britain's political landscape.
GMB Trade Union manufacturing delegate Phil Davies spoke passionately about the need for the GFTU to build on the successes of the past two years. "The GFTU has changed over the last 12 months. It is financially secure, more personable and sends out more information to its affiliates," he told delegates. "The GFTU must go further and become part of a major campaign, a campaign for change in the UK, a political change in the UK."
He warned fellow trade unionists about being complacent and any stalling by the Labour Party in presenting a real alternative to the Con-Dem coalition. "The GFTU must be prepared to stand up politically against those in the Labour Party and the trade union movement who advocate the status quo," he said. "The trade union members will not blindly support Labour unless the next Labour manifesto contains real support and real pledges for trade union members and their families. "We also need to send a strong message to the Labour Party: Yes you can have our support but only on condition that a Labour government will win for working people."
Musicians Union delegate Rab Noakes praised the stewardship of the union under general secretary Doug Nicholls. He said the "diversity of GFTU's membership" was an example to the entire movement.
Incoming president John Fray added: "GFTU brings smaller unions together. Diversity is important. It is the beginning of difficult times but we will win through."
