[Ash W]

Saj I was clearly saying that what I said is what is being reported in the media. Rightly or wrongly. Anyway it makes perfect sense to me. The union has basically lost the influence it has with the (new Labour) Government as it has moved more centre left, tending even more to the right (hence the lack of action by Brown) and they want Labour to move back towards the left by getting rid of New Labour. In other words the unions want to get more control of Labour. What they are putting in in terms of funding is irrelevant, if it was Brown would be taking notice. In doing so they will clearly get rid of the current Government. Maybe in the current environment it is a smart move, as Brown is tiped to loose power anyway, so the damage of a big spill like this would be minor.

As for unions in the work place there is nothing stopping, nor compelling an employee from choosing to join a union. Likewise there is nothing that a company can do to stop employee's from joining a union. Ie it is an employees right to join a union if those so wish. That being said a company doesn't have to recognise a union, but still must consult employee's, or their representatives on certain issues.

As for the public support, have a read of some of the news papers. Most letters and commentary is generally in favour of the union. Again though I do think in some ways this is the media's way of trying to put the last nails into Brown.