Greater Manchester Respect

As of the beginning of next week every member of UNITE will receive direct from the union a 'mail shot' containing a six hundred word statement from the four candidates. Though the other three candidates' statement will highlight different things, none of them, say what we do.

They will mention a 'democratic union' but deprive members the chance to choose who represents them by continuing with the appointment system. I believe that a democratic Union includes election of all officials.

They may talk about the crisis and the fat cats that created it, yet none of them will mention how much of our members' money they will gladly pocket if they become General Secretary. I would only take an average wage, living the same lifestyle as that of the members.

They may mention the need to fight for jobs, pay and pension, and they are right but we are shackled with anti union legislation brought in by Thatcher and the Tories left unchanged by Blair, Brown and Labour. Though our union's policy is repeal of those laws, not a finger has been lifted to do it. The other candidates, all currently Assistant General Secretaries, have been part of the leadership that has to shoulder the responsibility of where we find ourselves now. Angry and vulnerable and in need of something very different.

I say that when the need is so great, when the occasion requires, when something is so obviously wrong we must confront the anti union laws head on.

Please email jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk for copies of the leaflet with an address to send them and how many you need. Then take them to every High Street bank and every Bus driver, we have members in every hospital and local council. Plus the factories and..... well you will find them.

A member led, member controlled 'Unite'. Lets get the union back to hand it back!

Jerry Hicks