The trade union movement has signalled it is preparing to demand a People’s Vote on Brexit.
Brexit talks are at crisis point. @FrancesOGrady is serving notice on @theresa_may: if she doesn't deliver a Brexit for working people, our movement will mobilise and demand a popular vote #Marr pic.twitter.com/dPJSZUEpX0
— TradesUnionCongress (@The_TUC) September 9, 2018
Head of the TUC Frances O’Grady said the Tories had led the country to ‘crisis point’ adding that Theresa May’s government were risking jobs, workers’ rights and peace in Northern Ireland.
The general secretary accused the prime minister of ‘holding the country to ransom’ over her Chequers Brexit agreement.
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She told a press conference ahead of the TUC Congress in Manchester: ‘I want to give the prime minister fair warning. I am serving notice that if her deal doesn’t deliver justice for working people, if it doesn’t protect jobs, rights at work and peace in Northern Ireland then the TUC will throw our weight behind the call for a vote on the terms of Brexit.’
O’Grady said unions went back to their members to approve deals, and added: ‘Whether it’s through a general election or a popular vote, Mrs May should take her deal on the terms of Brexit and put it back to the people.’
O’Grady said it was ‘more than disappointing’ the prime minister had not consulted union leaders including herself on the impact on workers on any Brexit deal.
‘The only advice for workers is how to stock up their freezers.’
O’Grady accused the PM of letting Conservative party politics take priority over the interests of workers.
The TUC wants the Brexit timetable to be extended as an insurance policy against the risk if ‘crashing out’ of the EU, she added.
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