To unite around a common purpose or cause, whether that’s employment rights or a binding joint goal, is to form a union. The collective bargaining and strength of a united front – “you don’t get me, I’m part of the union”.
Trade unions informed much of my early career. My first job working with a COHSE sponsored Member of Parliament, the health union later to merge to become UNISON covering public services. In tandem, I joined the T&GWU (now Unite) representing MPs’ staff, becoming Branch Secretary 1/427. Then brought on board as political aide to the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, to build bridges with New Labour and the Conservative government of the day.
As an aside, my favourite Education Ministers, then and lasting until now? Gillian Shephard (Cons) whose husband was a union member and Estelle Morris (Lab) a former teacher and also union member. Each were deeply committed, pragmatic, willing to debate and negotiate, yet not afraid to drive forward change that was needed (even if not always agreed on by the union).
As I moved into consultancy, first as an agency director and employer then self employed founding Citadel in 2005, I left behind the slings and arrows of union negotiation and, sometimes, confrontation (not violence, but industrial disputes and sanctions). Yet the collective spirit – stronger together – and social justice remain core to our work, pursuing equity and fairness and a society where we help each other not simply out of charity but through common purpose. Building better connected communities and a closer knit society, removing barriers and creating opportunities for all to thrive.
This isn’t some political paradigm or ideology to be pitted one against the other. It’s what should bind our mainstream politics, delivering for everyday needs and securing the future with our young people. United against populist politics and the fringes of nationalism which dictate division and greed, fear and hate. Whether a ‘One Nation’ Conservative or ‘Centrist Dad’ or to tack a little to the left or right, either side, we must stand united to promote – and defend – society values that empower communities, to work together to help each other. A union of nations and regions which make a United Kingdom.
Citadel 