s a result of the long series of defeats which the unions in Britain suffered from 1980 onwards, many union leaders declared struggle and strikes to be outdated. The employers were now our allies. The task facing the unions was to create partnerships with British bosses in order to compete successfully in the 'global market'.  John Monks, TUC General Secretary at the time, described 'Social Partnership' as "the right strategic choice for the unions".

SOLIDARITY considers this to have been the wrong strategic choice, which sets British workers in competition with their natural allies, workers in other countries. ‘Social Partnership’ was adopted by most unions with little resistance. The magazine was launched to challenge this agenda and to campaign to break the unions from their subordination to 'our own' bosses.

Over the past five years there has been a clear out of union leaders and the election of new ones dubbed the “awkward squad”. Yet despite these changes there has not been a clear break from the ‘Social Partnership’ agenda. The decline of union membership has been halted but there has been significant upturn, no sign of recouping the lost millions of members.

Faced with the many attacks of the Blair government, most of the “awkward squad” have downplayed the differences with the government, and praised every concession to the skies. Changing a few leaders at the top does not in itself transform the unions, however important their election may be. The strength of the unions rests on the organization and consciousness of the membership. There needs to be a break with the ‘service’ ethos which saw the delivery of individual services as a means of building membership. The unions need to be rebuilt as collective organizations of the working class which depend their independence and play a role in struggling for a new society.

What’s available on our site?

·        Read our Platform of aims on which the magazine was launched and the Sponsoring organisations.

·        Read sample articles from our Magazine and our E-Newsletters.

·        Visit extensive Trade Union Links, Health & Safety Links and Campaign and Publications links

·        You can receive our E-Newsletters and join our email list.

If agree with our aims and like the magazine, why not take regular copies to sell, and get your union organization to support the magazine.

Some supporters take out standing orders to help finance the magazine: even a small sum like £5 a month helps us to build up a regular income.

If you would like more information or have any questions, contact us at: solidarity@btinternet.com

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