TUC’s Stance on EU Is ‘Orwellian’

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has aligned itself with pro-big business Conservatives and the EU’s free movement policy, jeopardising workers’ wages and rights across the UK. This unexpected alliance contradicts the TUC’s traditional role as the champion of working-class interests. Explore the TUC’s stance on the EU.

Lord Stuart Rose’s Admission on Wages and Immigration

Lord Stuart Rose, former Chairman of Marks & Spencer and current Chairman of Britain Stronger in Europe, conceded that workers’ wages would rise after Brexit. He also affirmed that high immigration—which he claims lowers wages—is intrinsic to remaining in the EU. Yet the TUC remained silent on the potential wage improvements from leaving the EU.

TUC’s Alliance with Pro-Big Business Conservatives

Rather than championing low-paid workers, the TUC joined platforms with pro-business Conservatives to promote the EU’s free movement policy. Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC until 2012, even shared stages with Prime Minister David Cameron. This alliance directly contradicts Jeremy Corbyn’s warnings that the Conservatives would “burn up workers’ rights,” treating them as expendable for profit.

The WEU Perspective: England Workers at Risk

The Workers of England Union (WEU) argues the TUC has forgotten its duty to English workers. Remaining in the EU, the WEU warns, will damage working conditions and depress wages. Lord Rose’s message is unmistakable: big business supports the EU to maintain a low-wage economy.

Misplaced Trust in EU-Derived Workers’ Rights

The TUC claims all our workers’ rights originate from the EU. If true, the TUC’s role in defending UK workers seems redundant. Moreover, the TUC neglects that:

• England has the fewest bank holidays in the EU.
• British Steel’s collapse was linked to EU membership.
• Uncontrolled immigration increases job competition and keeps wages low.

Forgetting the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Trade Union History

The struggle of the Tolpuddle martyrs demonstrates English workers’ capacity to secure rights independently of the EU. The TUC’s rejection of this legacy and embrace of EU authority is disgraceful. Many TUC leaders now enjoy six-figure salaries funded by union subscriptions—a far cry from working-class experiences.

Orwellian Pigs: TUC Leaders vs. Workers

George Orwell’s Animal Farm portrays pigs who, after leading a revolution, become indistinguishable from their oppressors. Similarly, TUC leaders stand with David Cameron and the EU, revealing them as “Orwellian Pigs”. Read more on the TUC’s EU policy hypocrisy.

Jeremy Corbyn’s Contradiction on Immigration and TTIP

Jeremy Corbyn has acknowledged the negative impact of unplanned migrant labour on wages yet continues to support the EU. Under his leadership, there’s silence on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which threatens the NHS. Is Corbyn too detached from working-class struggles, like other TUC elites?

Conclusion: The Real Cost of TUC’s EU Support

The TUC’s misguided backing of the EU and the Conservative government will lead to lower wages and weakened workers’ rights. British workers deserve a Trade Union Congress committed to their interests—not one aligned with profit-driven agendas. Discover our full analysis of the TUC’s EU alignment.