Union Barons and Government by Consent

I have mixed feelings about our “Union Barons”:

The head of the Unite union has said he will not “respect” any law passed by a future Conservative government tightening the rules on strike ballots.
BBC News Website 20 March 2015 : Unite boss McCluskey warns over strike ballot changes

But then I have less mixed feelings about our Prime Minister’s more blatant agenda:

David Cameron has said strikes should not be lawful unless a minimum number of union members vote in a ballot.

Plans for a “turnout threshold” will be in the party’s election manifesto.

But Unite boss Len McCluskey said this would “oppress the people and remove their freedoms”. He added: “Can we respect it? It ain’t going to happen.”
ibid

There is a problem, but I do not agree with the Prime Minister’s prescription. I don’t like McCluskey’s response – but I can’t see an alternative.

Keeping the Last Colony?

So the colonial masters have finally decided that they need to visit and tell the rebels that it is “just not on”.

If you want to persuade Scots that they should stay in the UK, you don’t at the last minute send in a triple pack of English Politicians to represent the old order.

Mayoral Mandates vs Union Mandates

Speaking to the BBC, London Mayor Boris Johnson described the [Tube Strike] action as “pointless and unnecessary” and said his manifesto pledge about ticket office closures was from 2008 “before the iPhone was invented.”

He also reiterated his called for a ban on strike action affecting London transport, unless it was supported by more than 50% of union members eligible to be balloted.
BBC News Website 5 February 2014 Tube strike: London Underground action disrupting millions

So Boris claims a mandate and as a side swipe demands that Union strike votes should get 50% support of those eligible.

Hm

Commissioning Crime etc

The Electoral Commission has published a critical report into the arrangements for the PCC elections – majoring on the lack of information about candidates. (ref PCC: Electoral Commission criticises elections BBC News Website 19 March 2013)

But I suspect the real issue was outside the scope of their enquiry

Disillusioned and still Disenfranchised

What a surprise, the forces of conservatism have won.

The fact that I have not posted for months underlines how I feel about UK politics – I just cannot see the situation changing other than the possible break up of the Union.