Today's question: are unions costing us money?
New figures claim that trade unions receive £133 million of public money. But Government research says unions save taxpayers' money. We want to know what you think.
New figures from the Taxpayers’ Alliance (TPA) claim that £113 million of taxpayers’ money is being used to fund trade union activity.
The TPA says that paid time off for public sector workers to undertake union activity amounts to the equivalent of 2,840 full-time staff in 2010/11. And this equates to £80 million of taxpayers’ money.
It also says public sector organisations paid around £33 million directly to trade unions. Most of this came from the Department for Business, which provided £21.4 million to the TUC’s Union Learning Fund.
However, Department for Business research says that unions save between £170 million and £400 million a year. It claims this is achieved through dispute resolution, staff retention, training and health and safety measures.
What do you think?
We want to know your thoughts on this. Do trade unions cost us money? Or do they help to save money? Should they receive public money at all?
Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
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Comments
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Totally agree with oldhenry and krustallos. Large organisations welcome unions as they streamline employee negotiations. Unfortunately this government and its fawning press do their best to their best to mis-represent the unions. You can't trust anything you read in the press or hear from the government. The only way to find the truth on any subject is to do your own research preferably without the help of Wiki. Even the good old BBC News which used to stand alone for impartiality is teetering on the edge.
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Who are this Taxpayers Alliance shower and where do they get their money? They seem to be the go-to rent-a-quote mob at present. I'm a taxpayer and they certainly don't represent my opinions. Enlightened employers grant union reps paid time off because having good relations with your employees helps morale and reduces lost time in disputes, grievances, unnecessary conflict and absenteeism. Giving union reps time to carry out their roles helps with that. Otherwise they wouldn't do it. Simple.
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Once again I find myself in agreement with Oldhenry. I do feel, however that the unions organising the day of action on Nov 30 are not helping themselves, or their image. They are trying to convince their members that the majority of the British people are on their side, but I doubt very much that that is the case; we shall see.
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21 January 2012