ROB WARZYNIAK wades knee deep through a pile of ‘dead canaries’ of Trumpist policies which exacerbated the horrors of US capitalism domestically
It has become a weekly ritual – each Thursday, all those stuck in their homes come out to applaud the key workers pulling us through this crisis. The NHS staff, carers, firefighters, postal workers, cleaners, supermarket workers and delivery drivers are apparently being recognised – even by government ministers - as crucial to the functioning of society.
But this crisis has also exposed many of the injustices in workplaces in Britain and abroad. With bosses forcing staff to work in unsafe conditions during a global pandemic, the level of bullying and exploitation in many workplaces is clear to see. The UK has some the most restrictive trade union laws in Europe – and it is workers who feel the consequences.
In the last few weeks many of you will have seen the horrifying footage of Sean Madden, a boss at food supplier Bakkavor, telling workers that those who take time off sick during the Covid-19 crisis would be top of the list for future redundancies – all while the company could not guarantee basic safety measures such as social distancing or adequate PPE.
The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
The unions are unhappy with the Employment Rights Act 2025 and with good reason. KEITH EWING and Lord JOHN HENDY KC take a close look at why the Bill promised more than it delivered
LUKE FLETCHER outlines Plaid Cymru bold plans for wide-ranging policy consultations with trade unions in Wales



