March for Jobs

Every day we hear new reports of redundancies. Over the last week closures and job losses have been announced in vehicle building, steel, aerospace, and finance. The public sector is not immune with NHS "reorganisations" leading to job losses as hospitals close and services are privatised. Tens of thousands of Unite members have lost their jobs this year - with many more facing uncertainty as to the future.

All this can be blamed on the economic crisis. But while those at the top get huge payouts and pension protection, most of us face the miserable amounts paid out in statutory redundancy pay. The Engineering Employers Federation even had the cheek to complain this week about the Government's raising of the cap on statutory redundancy pay from £350 to £380 - much lower than the TUC demand of £500.

Redundancies hit hardest at those already on low pay. And this economic crisis comes at a time when, to quote The Guardian, "Britain under Gordon Brown is a more unequal country than at any time since modern records began in the early 1960s, after the incomes of the poor fell and those of the rich rose in the three years after the 2005 general election." The figures released this week by the Department of Work and Pensions showed that child poverty had increased for the third year in succession. The economic crisis will only increase this inequality.

The issue of protecting jobs - and with them wages and conditions - is something every union member needs to be concerned with. As unemployment increases, employers are putting the pressure on those still in work to accept zero pay rises - pay cuts in real terms. That is why Unite is calling on all its members to support the March for Jobs being held next Saturday, 16 May in Birmingham.

The march starts at 11:00 am from Highfield Road, Birmingham B15. Unite is organising transport from every region for members, family and friends. Details can be found on the union website.

Marches will not save jobs by themselves. In the end it is up to what we can do in the workplace to put the pressure on Government and employers. The occupation of Waterford Crystal in Cork after closure was announced led to the plant remaining open with many jobs saved. The campaign of Visteon workers in Belfast Enfield and Basildon, occupations, pickets, and demonstrations, has not saved jobs but forced Ford to make massive redundancy payouts.

These results would not have happened without the actions and commitment of the workers, Unite members, in the plants.

The march next Saturday should be a springboard for fighting redundancies and closures whenever they are announced. And for those not immediately facing redundancy, it should be an expression of the solidarity of workers across the union with those fighting for jobs. No group of our members should be forced to stand alone when fighting for their living.