Post union to retain Labour link

Postal workers march against greater competition

One of the UK's biggest trade unions has voted to continue funding Labour despite growing discontent about the party's attitude to workers' rights.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has clashed with the Labour government over its handling of the Post Office and its attitude to the unions.

Hayes: Unions are 'not being listened to'

But delegates at the CWU's annual conference in Blackpool voted to remain affiliated to the party in order to retain some influence.

The vote comes after Britain's biggest rail union the RMT said it would cut funding to 13 Labour MPs, prompting Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to tear up his membership card after more than 40 years.

Retaining influence

John Edmonds, of the GMB union, has warned the government it faces a conference season of discontent unless it opened up "real dialogue" with the unions.

At the root of the unions' disenchantment is the Labour's refusal to halt the privatisation of public services.

The CWU has clashed with the government over job cuts and plans to open up the post office to greater competition.

The union agreed in March to cut its funding to Labour by £500,000 over the next three years.

But the majority of those taking part in the debate at the union's conference argued that their influence would be greater if they continued to contribute to Labour.

More than £1m was donated last year.

Further reductions

The General Secretary of the CWU, Billy Hayes, told the conference that disaffiliation would benefit the union's enemies.

Mr Hayes has criticised the government in the past for not listening to the unions.

The CWU conference is now debating motions which would further reduce the financial contribution.

The local constituency parties of nine Labour MPs receive money from the CWU, including that of the Education Secretary, Estelle Morris.