Unite Broad Left (UBL)

Unite Broad Left welcomes the news that Unite the Union will cut its funding to Labour by 40% and, crucially, the decision to formally consult members on Labour affiliation prior to the next Rules Conference. UBL supporters successfully put the initial motion on opening a debate and discussion on our union's relationship with Labour to the floor at the 2025 Unite Policy Conference, in light of the disgraceful decision of Birmingham Labour Council to announce their intention to fire and rehire our binworker members to the tune of the £8,000 slashing of their wages. This motion was passed almost unanimously. 

As Unite said in its press release: “Labour’s incompetent behaviour in Birmingham has come on the back of a failed economic strategy that has left our industrial base fighting for its life.”

UBL supporters have been working hard since policy conference - in workplaces, branches, regions and constitutional committees – to enact the 2025 Policy Conference decision and open the debate and consultation on affiliation to members. A 40% cut in funding to Labour will allow Unite a further £580,000 to fight for the interests of our members, like the heroic Birmingham Bin Workers who have been brutally attacked by their Labour council.

This decision by Unite is the next step in what is a historic opportunity to pull away from a Labour Party that represents the interests of the bosses, and put its political muscle behind a political alternative that represents our members and our class.