Trade union support for JVL launch

 

Len on JVL – “really impressed, we’ll be getting involved not just endorsing”

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mccluskey

Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey

Len McCluskey, head of the Unite union, gave the new Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) a huge boost when – on the night of its official launch – he announced that Unite would be affiliating with the group. He was closely followed by ASLEF‘s Tosh McDonald making a similar announcement about his own intentions.

The decision of two major unions to not only endorse but to affiliate to JVL on its first official evening put the group firmly on the political map as a force to be reckoned with.

McCluskey spoke earlier today to the SKWAWKBOX about JVL and the reasons for his shock announcement:

“Left-wing Jewish members of the party have needed a voice for long time so I was excited when I heard about JVL’s formation. But when I met them I was extremely impressed not just with their commitment but with their organisation and competence.

The existence of JVL means Jewish members on the left of the party now have an organisation that represents their views – and that transforms the discussion into one of left vs right as it should be.

Unite will not only be endorsing JVL – we’ll be getting involved and supporting their efforts.”