Why the Workers of England Union Was Founded

Until 2009, the workers of England had no protective voice that spoke exclusively for them. While there is a British TUC, a Scottish TUC, and a Welsh TUC, there was no dedicated Trade Union for England or an English TUC — even though England is the largest country in the UK with the largest workforce.

When it comes to England, the focus too often defaults to “Britain,” “the UK,” or previously, the “EU,” due to British-focused Trade Unions that are overly political.

This needed and still needs to change.

The Workers of England Union (WEU) was launched to be that change. The WEU wanted to be your protective voice in the workplace and to represent the people and issues that other Trade Unions overlook.

Our Beliefs

We believe responsible Trade Unions play a vital role in maintaining the living standards of the workforce. But we also believe the British Trade Unions have lost their way, and the workforce across England was — and still is — being overlooked. Again, we are endeavouring to change this!

The WEU wanted to unite the workforce across England so that the workers of England are united in purpose and speak in unison, with one voice. We wanted a Trade Union that focused solely on solving the problems faced by the workers of England. That is why we are called the Workers of England Union.

The Problem with Existing Trade Unions

Many people tell us that the British Trade Unions are no longer focused on solving the everyday problems facing the workers of England. They’ve become too centralised, too political, and too disconnected from the workforce.

We are repeatedly told that the Labour-affiliated British Trade Unions rely on outdated workplace reps who no longer represent the true voice of their members. These reps appear overly comfortable in workplace positions, focusing more on promoting Labour Party policies than helping their members.

These reps do not want to give up these positions, as they enjoy politicising the workplace but routinely give poor representation when needed. That is why, from our launch, the WEU has strived not to use workplace reps.

The Reality for Workers in England

We acknowledged that the workers of England have seen:

• Recession and job losses
• Housing crises
• Pension shortfalls
• Broken promises from consecutive British governments

We have seen silence from the British Trade Unions when it comes to defending jobs in England, workers’ rights in England, and the fair allocation of taxes for communities across England. These points are clear when examined, and across our website you will see example after example.

Enough Is Enough

It’s time for a new approach, for new hope, and for a Trade Union built on principles we all value: truth and courage.

Let’s have the courage to support the local economy where we live. Let’s demand investment in local skills and local industries. Let’s speak up for our towns and cities, and stop watching jobs get outsourced or shifted elsewhere at the expense of our future.

If nothing is done to halt and reverse this trend, then the economic future of England will surely continue to suffer, and unemployment will continue to rise — especially among the younger generation.

What We’ve Heard

Through our work touring the country, we have heard the same message from people across all walks of life: they’ve been let down by the UK Government and by British, Labour-affiliated Trade Unions that they don’t feel fight for their rights or the protection of workers across England!

Our Purpose

That’s why the Workers of England Union exists. Help us expand, so workers across all of England can have a voice — a Trade Union speaking up for them.

The Workers of England Union is here to put England’s workforce first and to offer the strong, clear, and independent representation that working people in England have been denied for too long.

Now, there is someone fighting for your cause in England and wanting to give you the representation you deserve.

The WEU is a Trade Union that cares. A Trade Union that wants to put the workforce of England first.