Labour and Trade Unions

The relationship between trade unions and the Labour Party is rooted in the history and values of the labour movement. It was the actions of the trade unions, organising to ensure a political voice for working people in Parliament which led to the formation of the Labour Party.

Tower Hamlets Trade Union & Labour Party Liaison Organisation

There are 15 trade unions currently affiliated to the Labour Party at national level. On affiliation to the Labour Party, every union automatically becomes a member of the National Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation and its General Secretary is entitled to sit on the National TULO Committee, if they are an individual member of the Labour Party. The Committee is jointly chaired by a member from the union side and a representative of the Labour Party.

Locally, in Tower Hamlets, there is also a TULO organisation which exists:

·         To co-ordinate trade union support for the Labour Party at election times such as trade unions for a Labour Victory and Trade Unionists For Labour;

·         To act as a channel of communication between the Labour Party in Tower Hamlets and its union partners on an ongoing basis.

Local Affiliations

Trade union branches or regions can affiliate to Tower Hamlets Labour Party if they have members who are registered to vote or who reside in the borough.

Unions affiliate to the local Party at the rate of 6p from the Political Fund per member - but with a minimum of £6.

An affiliated trade union can send up to five delegates to the Committee, although if the union has more than 1000 members living in the CLP, the regional director can vary this limit.

If you would like to affiliate your trade union branch to the local Labour Party please contact the local Labour Party Secretary: secretary@towerhamletslabour.org.uk 

ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen)

BFAWU (Bakers, Food & Allied Workers Union)

BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union)

CWU (Communication Workers Union)

GMB Britain’s General Union

MU (Musicians Union)

NUM (National Union of Mineworkers)  

TSSA (Transport Salaried Staffs' Association)

UCATT (Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians)

UNISON - The Public Service Union

Unite the Union The Union for Life

UNITY - (Formerly CATU - Ceramic and Allied Trades Union)

USDAW (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers)