TUC says pandemic must be catalyst for change
Coronavirus could have been slowed down if decent sick pay was available, care workers had got proper PPE and bad bosses who put staff safety at risk had been prosecuted, according to a union leader.
Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said the virus crisis should be a catalyst for real change in the workplace.
Speaking to the TUC's annual Congress in London, she said years of austerity had taken its toll and meant the pandemic was fought "with one hand tied behind our backs".
She said that “suddenly” supply chains delivering goods and services to industry mattered, adding: "The people who keep essential supplies moving should matter too.
"Ministers may scratch their heads about how to protect supply chains and fill vacancies. Well, here's a novel idea: invite unions in with employers.
"Get us around the table, and let's make that industry deliver decent conditions, direct employment and proper pay.”
Ms O'Grady said ministers seemed to live "on a different planet", failing to understand that not everyone had gardens they could work from or could survive on the current level of sick pay.
Challenging the Prime Minister to deliver on his promises to level up Britain, she added: "Ministers tell us they're going to level up Britain.
"But levelling up will mean nothing if they freeze the pay of key workers, slash Universal Credit, and the number of kids in poverty soars.
"If levelling up means anything, it must mean levelling up at work and levelling up people’s living standards.”