The T&G has always been a leading part of the labour movement in Britain and Ireland. Much of what we want to achieve politically and industrially depends on the unity of the wider trade union movement and positive relationships with colleagues in other unions.

Too often that has suffered in the recent past. I will make a priority of forging stronger relationships with other unions, particularly those that organise in the same industries and workplaces as the T&G in transport, manufacturing and public services. Employers and government listen hardest when trade unions speak with one voice.

The T&G must play a constructive and loyal part within the TUC, abiding by its procedures while arguing our corner for a shift away from the increasingly discredited 'social partnership' model, which has brought trade unionism in our countries so little benefit.

We should also be looking more actively at the issue of mergers with other appropriate unions. Whilst such mergers do not in themselves make a single extra trade unionist, they can offer opportunities to strengthen our members' industrial position and to deliver a better front-line service. It is little short of astonishing that the T&G has been almost inactive in this respect for so long.

We are proud of our democracy, and our tradition of leadership by the lay membership. Where those values are safeguarded, we should not close the door on any development, which, through logic in a changing world, would add to the strength of trade unionism at the grass roots.



Our union has been built on attracting other unions to the T&G - offering them the chance to join a powerful union while maintaining their own industrial identity. I enjoy first-rate working relationships with leaders of other unions, which I can use to pursue mergers where the industrial logic is compelling and has the support of T&G members.

I will also ensure that Regional Secretaries and other officers play a major part in such developments, as unity only sought at the top (and in London alone) will not sink down lasting roots.

As Deputy General Secretary I have already started the process of talking with other unions, working for a closer relationship which may eventually lead to mergers/transfers. By this means alone "I intend to grow the union by at least 250,000 members within three years".