CWU official picket armband, photo Paul Mattsson

CWU official picket armband, photo Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Unions have joined forces with bosses at telecom firm BT to influence workers to vote Remain.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), with managers’ and professionals’ union Prospect, were due to send a joint email with BT management on 13 June. Although not explicitly calling for a Remain vote, the message was to highlight research that Brexit might hit the economy.

In the event of financial ructions following the referendum, it is the job of unions to lead workers to fight for better wages and conditions. More than that – they could put political change on the agenda.

A crisis for the bosses only turns into a crisis for the workers if the workers’ movement ignores the opportunity. Unions lining up with the very people they exist to combat only weakens them, whatever their position on the EU. It discredits them in the eyes of many workers. The CWU, at least, should know better.

Brexit could rout the establishment. The opportunities for the left would be huge. But in or out, unions must maintain an independent position, and prepare to fight the bosses.