Hope Not Hate, the WEU and the Truth About Our Criticism of Other Trade Unions

Hope Not Hate and others frequently claim that the Workers of England Union (WEU) “attacks” British Labour Party supporting Trade Unions, such as UNISON and Unite. We do not deny that we openly criticise them. We absolutely do.

However, we reject how this criticism is misrepresented. Our position is not ideological hostility to Trade Unionism. We are Trade Unionists ourselves. Our criticism is rooted in what Trade Unionism was originally meant to be. This distinction is explained clearly in our article Why British Trade Unions Should Follow the Workers of England Lead.

Our Opposition Is Based on Four Clear Principles

• Labour Party supporting Trade Unions rely on employer-paid workplace representatives, resulting in poor member support.
• They monopolise entire industries, damaging accountability and choice.
• They are British-focused, leaving workers across England without England-specific representation.
• They are Labour Party-affiliated, placing political loyalty above workers.

These are not smears. They are serious concerns grounded in real workplace experience.

Political Independence and Trade Union History

Trade Unions were created so workers could collectively defend themselves against employers. They were not designed to act as fundraising arms for political parties.

Men and women fought, suffered imprisonment, blacklisting and violence to secure dignity at work. Their loyalty was to workers, not politicians. The Workers of England Union exists to restore that independence, which is central to what makes the WEU different.

Labour Affiliation and Divided Loyalties

When a Trade Union is politically tied to one party, its loyalty is divided. Labour-affiliated Trade Unions struggle to challenge Labour councils, Labour governments and Labour policies that harm workers.

The Birmingham bin strike exposed this conflict clearly. Workers are represented by a Trade Union funding the Labour Party while being governed locally and nationally by Labour representatives. Members are effectively paying to fund the very power structures they are in dispute with.

That is not representation. It is betrayal.

Monopoly Trade Unions and Poor Representation

The British TUC enables monopolies such as UNISON in the NHS and Unite in heavy industry. When one Trade Union controls an entire sector, workers lose choice.

Monopoly breeds complacency. Without competition, there is little incentive to improve service, invest in professional representation or modernise.

The Problem of Employer-Paid Workplace Representatives

Labour-affiliated Trade Unions rely heavily on employer-paid workplace representatives. These individuals are expected to manage grievances, disciplinaries and legal disputes alongside their normal jobs.

This approach results in burnout, inconsistent outcomes and inadequate protection for members. Workers deserve professional representation that is independent of employer influence.

The English Question and the Failure of the British TUC

There is a Scottish TUC. There is a Welsh TUC. Until the WEU intervened, there was no English TUC. Workers across England were structurally ignored.

The Workers of England Union created an English TUC because workers across England deserve their own voice, their own priorities and their own representation.

Why Hope Not Hate Gets It Wrong

Hope Not Hate labels our position as anti-Trade Union. That is false. We oppose bad Trade Unionism, not Trade Unions.

• Political independence
• Professional representation
• Choice instead of monopoly
• A real voice for workers across England

Conclusion

Yes, we criticise Labour Party supporting Trade Unions. We do so because workers deserve better. Trade Unions should exist for workers, not politicians.

Why Join the Workers of England Union?

Workers join the WEU because they want an independent, accountable Trade Union that stands up to any employer or government without fear or favour. If you want genuine representation, you can join the Workers of England Union here.

Stephen Morris
General Secretary
Workers of England Union