Union Leader Warns Labour Faces Risk of Losing Influence to Reform UK Without Major Shifts
Labour risks handing power to Reform – Andrea Egan, newly elected leader of Unison—the UK’s largest union—has begun her tenure at the organization’s annual conference, where she aims to address growing frustrations within the membership. Egan, a long-time grassroots activist, stunned observers by defeating Christina McAnea in the December leadership election, signaling a shift in the union’s direction. She criticized the previous leadership for being overly compliant with Labour’s agenda, describing it as a “sleeping giant” that failed to act decisively on workers’ issues.
Discontent Over Labour’s Performance
Speaking to a national broadcaster, Egan emphasized the need for government accountability. “We’ve been very clear with ministers,” she said. “Labour’s rise to power brought initial optimism, but the results have fallen short.” She pointed to community struggles and unmet promises, noting that her election highlighted a desire among members to see their concerns addressed. “Unless Labour changes course drastically, Reform UK could take the reins,” she warned.
“It’s not us that will hand the keys to No10 to Reform—it’s them, unless they change course drastically.”
Egan argued that progressive policies are essential to restore trust. These include investments in public infrastructure, restoring wages, improving services, and prioritizing insourcing. She described the union’s alliance with Labour as “dysfunctional,” highlighting a perceived lack of value for members’ contributions. “They’ve handed money to Labour and received little in return,” she said.
Disaffiliation Debate and Political Tensions
While Unison’s focus remains on internal reforms, the union’s future ties to Labour are under scrutiny. In 2022, Unite—the second-largest union—elected Sharon Graham, a prominent left-wing leader, who emphasized member needs over political strategy. Unite continues to pay over £1 million annually to Labour, but its members will decide next year whether to sever financial and formal links with the party.
Egan, who was expelled from Labour for sharing messages from Socialist Appeal, clarified that her union has not yet considered disaffiliation. “The 1,300 delegates at Brighton this week will discuss our relationship with Labour, but not debate cutting ties,” she explained. Though she’s open to alternative political strategies, she dismissed Nigel Farage’s push for unions to affiliate with Reform UK, citing the party’s hostility toward worker protections.
“Reform’s actions in the past year show they’re not aligned with workers’ interests. If they govern, they’ll target pensions and workplace safeguards.”
Egan praised Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s initiative to create Your Party, an alternative for Labour’s left wing. However, she noted the party’s limited impact in May’s local elections. “Labour’s disillusionment is now being channeled differently,” she said. “Your Party offered a warning, but Reform is delivering the consequences.”
The union leader highlighted Labour’s missteps, such as the initial cuts to winter fuel payments and the delayed removal of the two-child benefit cap. With a leadership contest looming if Andy Burnham secures the Makerfield by-election, Egan remains hopeful about potential reforms. “Burnham’s focus on migrant workers is commendable,” she said, but expressed concern over his recent endorsement of the home secretary’s immigration policies. “This worries me, as it could prolong the 15-year wait for permanent settlement for care workers already in the UK.”
