Call for ‘universal basic wage’ trial in Midlands Unison: Mayor should consider move as robots replace jobs
ALEADING trade union wants the West Midlands’ first elected mayor to trial a ‘Universal Basic Income’ as society faces the prospect of robots replacing workers.
In a 20-point manifesto, Unison also called for the building of genuinely affordable housing, fair public transport fares and English language lessons for new arrivals.
It also said the new mayor should nationalise the M6 Toll, and provide free public transport for 16-19 yearolds in education.
The region’s largest public sector trade union, whose members include health service and council staff, issued its manifesto to candidates battling it out to become the first West Midlands Mayor next May.
Further demands include an elected regional assembly to hold the mayor to account on behalf of the people. Currently a small committee appointed by the seven West Midlands council leaders will carry out that role.
But one of its most significant calls is for a Midlands trial on the use of a Universal Basic Income (UBI).
The idea is growing in support across the globe, particularly as many jobs are likely to become obsolete or replaced by robots.
Under a Universal Basic Income (UBI) people are given a guaranteed minimum state wage to replace means-tested benefits, which they then top up through work.
The manifesto argues: “A UBI could have many benefits including helping the long-term unemployed get back into work via part-time work and providing a basic income that would allow people to undertake entrepreneurial activities.”
Unison regional secretary Ravi Subramanian said: “The election of the mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority presents a golden opportunity for the region. This manifesto is not solely about the interests of public sector workers.
“It is a progressive, inclusive agenda around transport, education, housing, governance and the economy that, if implemented, will make the West Midlands a better place for the many, and not the few.
“Unison are asking all mayoral candidates to publicly state which of our 20 asks they will carry out if elected.”
Four candidates are currently bidding to become the first West Midlands mayor, although more may come forward in the next few weeks.
The front-runners are Labour’s Siôn Simon and Conservative Andy Street. Beverley Nielsen is standing for the Lib Dems and James Burn for the Green Party.
Agree a proper definition of “affordable housing” so that it meets the housing needs of people on low incomes and young people
Ensure new homes are for local people. In London as property prices rise they have been snapped up by outside investors and left empty - this should not happen here. Transport
Make Transport for West Midlands work for people - setting affordable fares, buying green vehicles and ensuring full integration of public transport services
Make public transport work as in London so WMCA, for example, set fares, carry out Develop a plan to further extend the Metro lines Develop a proper integrated cycling strategy across the West Midland to include cycle superhighways Nationalise the M6 toll road so all drivers can use it without charge to ease traffic congestion Establish free public transport for all 16-19 full-time further education students Further Education Develop a programme of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision to allow migrants to survive, thrive and contribute fully. Investigate setting up a regional union learning fund to allow unions like to create training and education programmes Other
WMCA to run a micro-pilot on the use of a Universal Basic Income (UBI)