Demand real change not empty promises or half measures
By Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
The following is the second speech published here from the annual Institute for Employment Rights/Campaign For Trade Union Freedom eve-of-Gala rally in Durham, 13/7/24, given by Sarah Woolley, the General Secretary of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU).
Sarah Woolley’s speech is published as a contribution to the discussion about the labour movement’s orientation after a change in government.
Sarah Woolley’s outline of her union’s priorities is notable for not limiting itself to purely sectoral or immediate economic demands but instead setting out a broad set of demands, ranging from her members’ workplace issues through to universal provision of benefits and services, free education, and ending arms sales to Israel.
The BFAWU’s demands both aim to improve the lives of their members, and the wider community, and simultaneously connect these to international solidarity.
Real change not empty promises or half measures
by Sarah Woolley, BFAWU General Secretary
We are at a pivotal moment for workers' rights in our country: after fourteen years of austerity and our rights being systematically stripped back we have an opportunity for change.
I know there are mixed feelings around just how much change there will be under this Labour government. The election has shown us that the fight for justice and fairness in the workplace and our communities is far from over, and now more than ever, we need to unify our voices and our efforts, because seeing five Reform candidates be elected into Parliament should be much more of a concern to all of us than what Starmer is or isn’t going to do in the next one hundred days.
Our union, the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), recently conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the concerns and priorities of our members. The results highlighted the urgent need for political and economic transformation.
Whilst many would argue there is no difference in the main political parties and ask what is the point in politics, our members are actually politically engaged and determined to see change. They are not content with the status quo. The issues they face are not unique to our sector but reflect broader societal challenges. The cost-of-living crisis, which makes it difficult for families to afford basic necessities like food, energy, and housing, unsurprisingly was the main concern. A crisis that has been compounded by low pay, poor management practices, and insecure working conditions.
In the workplace, our members are grappling with low wages, bullying management styles, unsafe working conditions, and insufficient staffing. They are asked to do more with less, often under the strain of unsociable hours and insecure contracts.
Our survey results clearly outline what our members believe is necessary to address these challenges. Their voices have shaped the Bakers' Dozen manifesto of 13 key demands that we will continue to advocate for tirelessly:
£15 an Hour Minimum Wage: because every worker deserves a living wage, regardless of age. This will end the unfair youth limit on the national minimum wage.
Abolish Zero-Hour Contracts: We demand job security and predictability for all workers and this should be all Zero Hour contracts because they can all be exploitative.
Full Employment Rights from Day One: All workers should have their rights protected from the moment they start their job.
Contractual Sick Pay at 100%: Employers must provide six weeks of sick pay at full wage to all workers.
Repeal Anti-Union Legislation: Unions need the freedom to organise and advocate without restrictive laws.
Maximum Workplace Temperature: Legislation is needed to ensure safe and comfortable working conditions.
Accountability for Company Failures: Companies must not evade their financial responsibilities through administration loopholes.
Public Ownership of Utilities: Water, energy, and Royal Mail should be publicly owned to curb excessive pricing and ensure fair access.
Right to Food: A statutory right to food, free school meals, and a cap on supermarket profits are essential to combat food insecurity.
Affordable Public Transport: Re-nationalise train companies, cap bus fares, and provide free public transport for young people aged 16-25.
End Arms Sales to Israel: We must take a stand for human rights and justice globally.
Abolish Tuition Fees: Education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial background and they must bring back a new and improved version of the Union Learn Fund in England so everyone has the opportunity to upskill and develop themselves.
Create a National Care Service: Providing dignity and care for the elderly and vulnerable is a societal duty.
These demands are not just aspirations; they are essential changes that will improve the lives of our members and the wider community. Our collective strength and solidarity are our greatest assets. We must continue to organise, educate, and mobilise to hold those in power accountable: just because they are now the Labour Party it does not mean we can rest on our laurels.
In the wake of the election, we need to send a clear message to our newly-elected representatives: we will not accept empty promises or half measures. We demand real change, and we will not rest until we see it.
Together, we can build a future where every worker is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We can’t rely on politicians to do that, we have to do it ourselves.
We can push out the far right and stop Reform gaining any more ground, but to do that we need to be able to do our jobs as trade unionists, have access to workers and work together across the movement, challenging their rhetoric and showing people that we are the ones who will support them, not Farage and his ilk.
Many thanks to Sarah Woolley for her permission to publish her speech here.