VIDEO: National union boss: "stop treating workers like second class citizens"

Tuesday 04 April 2017

The boss of Britain's biggest union says the States need to "stop treating workers like second class citizens".

Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite, says that he's shocked at the way workers are treated in the Island, and claims they're worse off than their UK or European counterparts.

He told Express that "an Island that has such a proud heritage shouldn't be treating workers in the way it does", and has called on the States to improve living and working conditions in the Island.

Mr McCluskey also says that it's time for the introduction of a living wage, and says his union will be supporting the campaign locally.

Video: Unite the Union General Secretary Len McCluskey says that he's working to ensure that ordinary voices are heard "in the corridors of power".

And he has added his voice to the States members who are calling for an end to zero hour contracts - something he describes as "the scourge of modern society".

Mr McCluskey is seeking re-election to the post of General Secretary and was on a flying visit to the Island to boost his campaign and to hear from local members. After his meeting at the Opera House during which members expressed their concerns, he said that he was surprised that such an affluent island had food banks. 

Finally, he told the audience that Brexit presents both difficulties and opportunities, but that it shouldn't be used as an excuse to undermine workers' rights.