WEU's Campaign Vindicated by Jeremy Corbyn

The Workers of England Union has long argued against the use of cheap labour from abroad, campaigning for companies to invest in local communities and train British workers. Now, Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party leader, has publicly endorsed this vision, marking a significant victory for the WEU’s mission.

Workers of England Union’s Core Objectives

The WEU was founded on the principle that:

• Local Employment First – Ensuring companies hiring in the UK benefit British workers.
• Skills Development – Training settled communities in the skills demanded by industry.
• Fair Wages – Opposing cheap labour practices that undercut living standards.

This approach has often been criticised by the far left and traditional trade unions. Yet, with Corbyn’s endorsement, the WEU’s stance gains unprecedented legitimacy.

Corbyn’s “Build It in Britain” Speech

In a landmark address in Birmingham, Jeremy Corbyn launched his “Build It in Britain” campaign, emphasising the potential benefits of Brexit’s impact on the pound:

“Our exporters should be able to take proper advantage of the one benefit to them that Brexit has already brought – a more competitive pound.”

He criticised the government’s failure to capitalise on this opportunity and attacked reliance on migrant labour:

“We’ve been told that it’s good – advanced even – for our country to manufacture less and less and instead rely on cheap labour from abroad…”

Corbyn also vowed that a future Labour government would:

• Keep government contracts in Britain, rather than outsourcing them abroad.
• Use public funds to nurture domestic industries and create well-paid jobs.

What This Means for Trade Unions

By aligning with the WEU’s call to end cheap labour, Corbyn challenges other unions to follow suit. If a trade union fails to campaign against exploitive labour practices, it has failed its members.

Continuing the Fight

The Workers of England Union will continue to lead efforts against the use of cheap labour, pressing for:

• Strong industrial policies that prioritise British workers.
• Strategic investment in locally based manufacturing and services.
• Partnerships with industry to deliver training and fair wages.

By working together, British workers, unions, and supportive political leaders like Jeremy Corbyn can ensure the UK economy works for everyone.

Further Reading

For more on the WEU’s campaign and Jeremy Corbyn’s speech, see the Independent article by Benjamin Kentish.