TUC Should Reject Project Fear

It is very disappointing to see the TUC teaming up with the Government and multinational business to promote Project Fear. Rather than highlight the benefits of democratic sovereignty, pro-EU arguments often scaremonger about what might happen if the UK becomes a fully sovereign nation again.

Scaremongering Over Sovereignty

The reality is that the European Union can rescind employment rights at any time. Unlike changes made by British governments—where you, the voter, can hold them to account at the ballot box—you cannot vote out the European Commission if it introduces undesired legislation or signs secretive trade deals.

Consider TTIP (the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), an agreement the EU is negotiating behind closed doors. Even the UN warns that TTIP risks moving us toward a “post-democratic” world. NHS activists fear for the health service, and postal and rail privatisation is already underway by EU diktat.

For an in-depth critique, see TUC and Project Fear and Workers' Rights Under Threat.

European Court Rulings vs. National Labour Gains

The infamous Viking and Laval ECJ rulings illustrate how the EU can undermine pay, working conditions, and pensions by facilitating workforce mobility across member states. Brendan Barber, then-TUC head, warned in 2009 that these cases allowed companies to undermine existing rights. Since then, the EU’s stance toward workers has only grown more hostile—just ask the Greeks.

The Myth of Free Movement for Workers

Free movement, while touted as a key EU benefit, has been exploited by businesses to drive down wages and conditions. The hardest hit are low earners in Britain, yet this reality is overlooked in pro-EU propaganda.

The TUC’s Role Questioned

The TUC should be demanding transparency and accountability from this rich boys’ business club instead of peddling scare stories. Many trade unionists and Labour supporters know that the EU is anti-democratic, favouring giant corporations and cosy cartels over the interests of ordinary people.

Read more in our analysis of Labour MP on Project Fear.

Privatisation and Public Services

Privatisation of the NHS, postal services, and railways across Europe is well underway. These changes, driven by EU policy, undermine public control and push profit over service quality.

Conclusion: Leaving as the Only Option

The UK has led Europe in improving workers’ pay and conditions—and this leadership will continue whether we remain or leave. The idea that holiday pay or other rights are at risk is scaremongering of the highest order. In the EU, rollbacks of rights go unchallenged at the ballot box. The Dutch, Irish, and French have all resisted and gained little. The EU is a business cabal. Leaving is the only option left.

Kate Hoey is the Labour MP for Vauxhall and co-founder of Grassroots Out.