This week is #HeartUnions week (8-14 Feb), a time to recognise the enormous contribution of trade unions in the fight for workers' rights. Trade unions work throughout the year to support their members across services; ensuring fair pay, protecting terms and conditions, promoting equality and ultimately improving working life for millions of people across the United Kingdom.
Jon Cruddas MP said: "the trade union movement has been more important than ever through the pandemic, and I have worked with a number of unions on behalf of my constituents over the past year. This week gives us the opportunity to thank all of our trade unions, their staff and members, who dedicate themselves to fighting for the rights of others."
In recent weeks we have seen mass job losses, fire and rehire scandals and big changes in working practices. The trade unions are all running campaigns to protect workers during this time of unprecedented uncertainty. You can find out about some of this work via the Trade Union Congress website. If you do not yet have a union then you can find one that's right for you here: https://www.tuc.org.uk/
Jon added: "We have a proud history of trade unionism in Dagenham and Rainham and I'd encourage everyone who can to join a trade union. The world of work is changing, and you can be part of that discussion, making sure that workers are put before profit."