Don't sideline unions, Milburn warned

British Labour’s new policy chief was today warned by leading trade unions not to try to change commitments aimed at improving workers’ rights.

Unison said that Alan Milburn should temper some of his “wild ideas” and not sideline trade unions when he helps draw up Labour’s next election manifesto.

Unison clashed with Mr Milburn when he was health secretary because of his promotion of foundation hospitals warning him that they affected jobs and services in other parts of the NHS.

General secretary Dave Prentis told a news conference ahead of the TUC Congress in Brighton: “We have a myriad of committees which involve unions but suddenly we sometimes read about proposals which have not involved any discussions. My worry is that could continue into the election.

“He has to realise that he is leading a team including trade unions and we have a legitimate voice.

"The next manifesto has to be acceptable to the traditional values of fairness.”

Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said he wanted a radical third term Labour government which would follow through the 56 commitments given by the Labour party during a policy forum in the summer.

The TGWU, Unison, Amicus and the GMB, held a joint press conference today which Mr Woodley said showed new-found unity among the country’s leading unions which had led to a change in the relationship with the Government.

“If Mr Milburn comes in to write the manifesto that is no problem as long as he does not try to rewrite the manifesto.”