Unions are looking to expand their influence in a move that could see
continental-style, co-ordinated strike action.
The TUC and Unison are seeking to increase their power by recruiting more
members and introducing rights to negotiate across the entire public sector.
Unison will vote later this week on amendments that could lead to more
co-ordinated pay claims across different public sector bodies. The union is the
UK’s biggest, representing more than 1.3 million workers across the public
sector in areas including the NHS and education.
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In a separate move, the new TUC general secretary Brendan Barber told of his
intention to recruit more members – particularly in the private sector.
He urged members to make the TUC a ‘growing force’ by focusing on the modern
service sector. He also defended the recent spate of industrial action calling
the choice to strike "a fundamental human right".