At it’s meeting on 18th December 2019 Bristol Trades Union Council agreed the following resolution –

We are truly devastated by the general election result, and devastated that we didn’t win the Labour Government that Bristol so desperately needs. We know that a Tory government will mean more pain for working people – with jobs, rights and public services under threat.

Whilst we are heartbroken about the result, we are also incredibly proud of the role that trade unionists played in the election, as Labour campaigners in our workplaces and communities.

This is a moment that requires us to draw on all of our reserves of strength and stand in solidarity with one another. We now need to step up and be ready to defend our communities, defend our jobs, workplaces and public services, and defend our unions and rights at work.

We will continue the fight to ban zero-hours contracts and take on the big corporations that pay poverty wages.

We will continue the fight for council housing for all who want it, a transport system that allows us to get to work and play at reasonable cost and for an environment that doesn’t poison us.

As ever, trade unions will be a vital line of defence against the impact of a Tory Government. At this moment we cannot say it loudly enough – if you’re not a member of a trade union join one and do everything you can to get colleagues and friends to join one too. Above all and whatever you do participate in the activities of your trade union.

History can also provide some solace in moments like this. The labour movement has suffered big defeats in the past and we have always come back, rebuilt our strength and fought another day.

In solidarity,
Bristol Trades Union Council