Solidarity – The Union for British Workers
Encyclopedia
Solidarity – The Union for British Workers is a United Kingdom
trade union
formed in late 2005 that is closely associated with the British National Party
and Third Way
think tank
. It is named after the Polish trade union Solidarność, and its logo (which it has trademarked) also appears to be derived from that of the Polish union.
, which regulates matters concerning trade unions, Solidarity aims to "improve the relations between employers and employees throughout all industries served by the union"; "to protect, assist and promote the working and living conditions of the citizens of the British Isles"; '"resist and oppose all forms of institutional union corruption"; "promote freedom within and without the Trades Union movement, protecting and promoting freedom of belief, thought and speech, irrespective of political and religious affiliation or creed".
The documents make no mention of race, but Solidarity's General Secretary has repeatedly stated that membership is open to people of all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds. A statement on the Solidarity website backs this view: "Our aim in Solidarity is to unite all workers, from all racial, religious and political backgrounds". The Union has distributed material aimed at recruiting from ethnic minority communities
According to a former member of its 'management team', the union is likely to contribute funds to the BNP via a political levy (see "BNP to benefit from Political Fund?" below). The General Secretary of Solidarity, has explicitly rejected any claim that the union will fund any political party and stated that it will remain independent of all parties.
(TUC) and will not be bound, therefore, by agreements not to poach members from other unions.
The Solidarity website states: "Solidarity recruits from all industrial sectors and professions. We have members in the health service, education, railways, construction to give just a few examples. We believe in ‘One Big Union’."
"The idea is not new. In 1834 Robert Owen
formed the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union
in an attempt to unite all the workers into one Union. Initiatives for One Big Union have occurred across the world. Most notable was the attempt of the Industrial Workers of the World
(IWW or the Wobblies) to organise One Big Union in the United States, Canada, and Australia and the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
(CNT) in Spain. We have no particular ideological affinity with either group, nor are we affiliated, but like them we see the sense of organising across trades and professions."
on 24 February 2007. The conference went ahead despite threats of violence from those opposed to the union. This was largely due to the fact that agents for the Union had spread the false rumour that it had been postponed. Searchlight magazine
(amongst others) repeated this in its March 2007 issue: 'BNP trade union cancels AGM in fear of exposure'.
The Annual Conference passed a number of resolutions. These included:
General Secretary Patrick Harrington delivered an upbeat assessment of the Union's progress in the past year and potential for the future. He detailed attacks from the Labour Party and the political left and claimed that establishment-sponsored attacks on Solidarity were likely to be a feature of the organisation's development.
The conference discussed motions on the role of Muslims in the Union; the 'off-shoring' of jobs in the light of the Electrolux decision to close their Spennymoor factory; the general decline in trade union membership and the opportunities this presents for recruitment; and the CIS self-employment scheme in the building industry. The Conference confirmed that membership of Solidarity is open to everyone whatever their political, or religious affiliations or their cultural and ethnic background and therefore a proposal to exclude those of the Islamic faith was defeated. The Executive Committee undertook to draw up a set of positive Union Principles and Ethics for the next Annual Conference.
, County Durham
on February 21, 2009.
The General Secretary, Patrick Harrington, reported continued growth in membership to 436 members. The union claimed a number of successes in representing members in dispute with their employers.He stated that Solidarity has built up a considerable caseload which will in due course stand it in good stead when the union applies to the Certification Office for a Certificate of Independence. Harrington admitted being 'caught on the hop' by the wave of wildcat strikes but said Solidarity had quickly began to network and respond. He declared that disaffected trade unionists had been let down by the TUC affiliates who are embarrassed by the strikers' demand for British jobs for British Workers. He declared these sentiments to be more in tune with Solidarity's position than with Unite – which he described as "compromised by its links with and financial support for NuLab and Gordon Brown".
There was also a long discussion and debate regarding the wave of 'Wildcat' strikes and the attitude and position of Solidarity towards them.
Independently scrutinised elections to the Solidarity Executive were held in November 2007. Those elected for five year terms were Garry Aronsson, Simone Clarke
and Mark Walker (BNP members), David Durant and David Kerr (National Liberal Party
members).
General Secretary Patrick Harrington
is a member of the National Liberal Party and Third Way (UK)
, and not a member of the BNP. He is, however, a veteran of far-right politics in the UK, who formerly served on the leadership of the National Front
. He voted to disband the organisation in 1989. It is said that he maintains some contact with his former NF colleague and current BNP chairman Nick Griffin
(see entry on Pat Harrington
for more details). The National Liberal Party and Third Way appear to have significant policy differences with the BNP.
, National Treasurer for the BNP, said that the union is likely to contribute funds to the party.
Solidarity's General Secretary Harrington, responded in a letter to the newspaper that this was Walker's "personal opinion", that the recipients of union grants would be decided directly by members, and that members could opt out of the political fund.
magazine on the Stop the BNP website on 24 January 2006 and repeated by Barrie Clement in The Independent
, 1 February 2006.
The BNP denies that Solidarity is a 'front'. Instead it argues that Solidarity enjoys BNP support because it does not politically vet members and opposes globalisation. It has publicised the organisation on its website.
, adding that "Anyone who supports workers rights is welcome and that includes both members of the BNP and Communists." This latter claim seems to contrast with the BNP's statement that Solidarity is "a group of ... victims of Marxist persecution in the workplace" and that "[t]he Marxists in charge of the unions have only themselves to blame for the creation of this new union." Harrington argues that the BNP position represents their interpretation and that "The Solidarity Union does not bar members on account of race, religion, sexuality or political opinion."
The Harrington viewpoint appears to be the official line as the first bulletin of Solidarity stated: "the established Union or Unions will seek to present us as a ‘BNP front’. This is as a result of our principled stand against political vetting or discrimination. We believe the function of a Union is to represent the interests of workers. The easiest way to disprove this allegation, however, is to recruit from as diverse a base as possible. Our Union is open to all. We already have a diverse membership."
Solidarity has defended representing BNP members:-
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
trade union
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
formed in late 2005 that is closely associated with the British National Party
British National Party
The British National Party is a British far-right political party formed as a splinter group from the National Front by John Tyndall in 1982...
and Third Way
Third Way (UK)
The National Liberal Party – The Third Way is a United Kingdom political party that was formed on 17 March 1990 as The Third Way. In 2006, the Third Way registered the name National Liberal Party – The Third Way with the Electoral Commission....
think tank
Think tank
A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...
. It is named after the Polish trade union Solidarność, and its logo (which it has trademarked) also appears to be derived from that of the Polish union.
Stated aims
According to documents lodged with the Certification OfficeTrades Union Certification Officer
The Trades Union Certification Officer was established in the United Kingdom by Act of Parliament in 1975.-Responsibilities:The Certification Officer is responsible for:* maintaining a list of trade unions and employers' associations...
, which regulates matters concerning trade unions, Solidarity aims to "improve the relations between employers and employees throughout all industries served by the union"; "to protect, assist and promote the working and living conditions of the citizens of the British Isles"; '"resist and oppose all forms of institutional union corruption"; "promote freedom within and without the Trades Union movement, protecting and promoting freedom of belief, thought and speech, irrespective of political and religious affiliation or creed".
The documents make no mention of race, but Solidarity's General Secretary has repeatedly stated that membership is open to people of all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds. A statement on the Solidarity website backs this view: "Our aim in Solidarity is to unite all workers, from all racial, religious and political backgrounds". The Union has distributed material aimed at recruiting from ethnic minority communities
According to a former member of its 'management team', the union is likely to contribute funds to the BNP via a political levy (see "BNP to benefit from Political Fund?" below). The General Secretary of Solidarity, has explicitly rejected any claim that the union will fund any political party and stated that it will remain independent of all parties.
"One big union"
Solidarity recruits from all industrial sectors and professions. Solidarity has already stated that it has no plans to apply for affiliation to the Trades Union CongressTrades Union Congress
The Trades Union Congress is a national trade union centre, a federation of trade unions in the United Kingdom, representing the majority of trade unions...
(TUC) and will not be bound, therefore, by agreements not to poach members from other unions.
The Solidarity website states: "Solidarity recruits from all industrial sectors and professions. We have members in the health service, education, railways, construction to give just a few examples. We believe in ‘One Big Union’."
"The idea is not new. In 1834 Robert Owen
Robert Owen
Robert Owen was a Welsh social reformer and one of the founders of utopian socialism and the cooperative movement.Owen's philosophy was based on three intellectual pillars:...
formed the Grand National Consolidated Trades Union
Grand National Consolidated Trades Union
The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union of 1834 was an early attempt to form a national union confederation in the United Kingdom.There had been several attempts to form national general unions in the 1820s, culminating with the National Association for the Protection of Labour, established in...
in an attempt to unite all the workers into one Union. Initiatives for One Big Union have occurred across the world. Most notable was the attempt of the Industrial Workers of the World
Industrial Workers of the World
The Industrial Workers of the World is an international union. At its peak in 1923, the organization claimed some 100,000 members in good standing, and could marshal the support of perhaps 300,000 workers. Its membership declined dramatically after a 1924 split brought on by internal conflict...
(IWW or the Wobblies) to organise One Big Union in the United States, Canada, and Australia and the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
The Confederación Nacional del Trabajo is a Spanish confederation of anarcho-syndicalist labor unions affiliated with the International Workers Association . When working with the latter group it is also known as CNT-AIT...
(CNT) in Spain. We have no particular ideological affinity with either group, nor are we affiliated, but like them we see the sense of organising across trades and professions."
First Annual Conference
The first Annual Conference of Solidarity was held at the Alexandra Suite of the Royal National Hotel in BloomsburyBloomsbury
-Places:* Bloomsbury is an area in central London.* Bloomsbury , related local government unit* Bloomsbury, New Jersey, New Jersey, USA* Bloomsbury , listed on the NRHP in Maryland...
on 24 February 2007. The conference went ahead despite threats of violence from those opposed to the union. This was largely due to the fact that agents for the Union had spread the false rumour that it had been postponed. Searchlight magazine
Searchlight (magazine)
Searchlight is a British anti-fascist magazine, founded in 1975 by Gerry Gable, which publishes exposés about racism, antisemitism, and fascism in the UK....
(amongst others) repeated this in its March 2007 issue: 'BNP trade union cancels AGM in fear of exposure'.
The Annual Conference passed a number of resolutions. These included:
- A resolution approving model rules paving the way for the establishment of a political fund
- A resolution amending the Constitution to pave the way for recruitment amongst police and prison officers
- Resolutions establishing the relationship between the Executive and Industrial Sector heads
- A resolution allowing Solidarity members to belong to other unions (this was amended to state that officials of Solidarity could not have such dual membership).
Second Annual Conference
The union's second Annual Conference was held in Birmingham on February 23, 2008. It was chaired by Union President Adam Walker.General Secretary Patrick Harrington delivered an upbeat assessment of the Union's progress in the past year and potential for the future. He detailed attacks from the Labour Party and the political left and claimed that establishment-sponsored attacks on Solidarity were likely to be a feature of the organisation's development.
The conference discussed motions on the role of Muslims in the Union; the 'off-shoring' of jobs in the light of the Electrolux decision to close their Spennymoor factory; the general decline in trade union membership and the opportunities this presents for recruitment; and the CIS self-employment scheme in the building industry. The Conference confirmed that membership of Solidarity is open to everyone whatever their political, or religious affiliations or their cultural and ethnic background and therefore a proposal to exclude those of the Islamic faith was defeated. The Executive Committee undertook to draw up a set of positive Union Principles and Ethics for the next Annual Conference.
Third Annual Conference
Solidarity's third annual conference took place in SpennymoorSpennymoor
Spennymoor is a town in County Durham, England. It stands above the Wear Valley approximately seven miles south of Durham. The town was founded over 160 years ago...
, County Durham
County Durham
County Durham is a ceremonial county and unitary district in north east England. The county town is Durham. The largest settlement in the ceremonial county is the town of Darlington...
on February 21, 2009.
The General Secretary, Patrick Harrington, reported continued growth in membership to 436 members. The union claimed a number of successes in representing members in dispute with their employers.He stated that Solidarity has built up a considerable caseload which will in due course stand it in good stead when the union applies to the Certification Office for a Certificate of Independence. Harrington admitted being 'caught on the hop' by the wave of wildcat strikes but said Solidarity had quickly began to network and respond. He declared that disaffected trade unionists had been let down by the TUC affiliates who are embarrassed by the strikers' demand for British jobs for British Workers. He declared these sentiments to be more in tune with Solidarity's position than with Unite – which he described as "compromised by its links with and financial support for NuLab and Gordon Brown".
There was also a long discussion and debate regarding the wave of 'Wildcat' strikes and the attitude and position of Solidarity towards them.
Leadership political profile
Union President Adam Walker is a British National Party (BNP)and is the BNPs parliamentary candidate for the Bishop Auckland Constituency at the general election. memberIndependently scrutinised elections to the Solidarity Executive were held in November 2007. Those elected for five year terms were Garry Aronsson, Simone Clarke
Simone Clarke
Simone Clarke is an English ballerina and former Prima Ballerina of English National Ballet company. In 2006, she was the centre of controversy when it was revealed that she was a member of the British National Party...
and Mark Walker (BNP members), David Durant and David Kerr (National Liberal Party
Third Way (UK)
The National Liberal Party – The Third Way is a United Kingdom political party that was formed on 17 March 1990 as The Third Way. In 2006, the Third Way registered the name National Liberal Party – The Third Way with the Electoral Commission....
members).
General Secretary Patrick Harrington
Patrick Harrington
Patrick "Pat" Harrington is a British Politician, currently General Secretary of Solidarity – The Union for British Workers an organisation affiliated to the British National Party, and a Director of the Third Way think-tank...
is a member of the National Liberal Party and Third Way (UK)
Third Way (UK)
The National Liberal Party – The Third Way is a United Kingdom political party that was formed on 17 March 1990 as The Third Way. In 2006, the Third Way registered the name National Liberal Party – The Third Way with the Electoral Commission....
, and not a member of the BNP. He is, however, a veteran of far-right politics in the UK, who formerly served on the leadership of the National Front
British National Front
The National Front is a far right, white-only political party whose major political activities took place during the 1970s and 1980s. Its popularity peaked in the 1979 general election, when it received 191,719 votes ....
. He voted to disband the organisation in 1989. It is said that he maintains some contact with his former NF colleague and current BNP chairman Nick Griffin
Nick Griffin
Nicholas John "Nick" Griffin is a British politician, chairman of the British National Party and Member of the European Parliament for North West England....
(see entry on Pat Harrington
Patrick Harrington
Patrick "Pat" Harrington is a British Politician, currently General Secretary of Solidarity – The Union for British Workers an organisation affiliated to the British National Party, and a Director of the Third Way think-tank...
for more details). The National Liberal Party and Third Way appear to have significant policy differences with the BNP.
Union response
Solidarity has contradicted the BNP Press Statement. It says it does not have a 'Management Team'. In a letter to Personnel Today, General Secretary Harrington said:-- "First, let me deal with the allegation that the ‘management team’ of our Union is linked to the BNP. Our Union doesn't have a ‘management team’. It has a National Executive. Currently this comprises three positions, General Secretary, President and Vice-President. Only our President (Clive Potter) is a member of the BNP. Lee Barnes who you mention in the article is a member but not currently an official. Our Union rejects political vetting and McCarthyismMcCarthyismMcCarthyism is the practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence. The term has its origins in the period in the United States known as the Second Red Scare, lasting roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s and characterized by...
. We are open to people of all faiths, political beliefs, ethnic and cultural backgrounds and sexual orientation.
Funding for the BNP
In a report in the newspaper Wales on Sunday, John WalkerJohn Walker
-Politicians:* John Walker , U.S. Senator, public official, and soldier* John Walker , State Treasurer of Missouri...
, National Treasurer for the BNP, said that the union is likely to contribute funds to the party.
- "There probably will be a political levy at some stage to the BNP just as other unions raise money for Labour. It is quite possible and feasible that when Solidarity becomes fully functional some element of funds raised will be donated to the BNP, but that will have to be decided through consultation with the membership."
Solidarity's General Secretary Harrington, responded in a letter to the newspaper that this was Walker's "personal opinion", that the recipients of union grants would be decided directly by members, and that members could opt out of the political fund.
Alleged front status
Allegations that Solidarity is a BNP front organisation were first made by SearchlightSearchlight (magazine)
Searchlight is a British anti-fascist magazine, founded in 1975 by Gerry Gable, which publishes exposés about racism, antisemitism, and fascism in the UK....
magazine on the Stop the BNP website on 24 January 2006 and repeated by Barrie Clement in The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
, 1 February 2006.
The BNP denies that Solidarity is a 'front'. Instead it argues that Solidarity enjoys BNP support because it does not politically vet members and opposes globalisation. It has publicised the organisation on its website.
Union response
Pat Harrington has also denied that Solidarity is a BNP front in a statement on the website of his party, Third Way (UK)Third Way (UK)
The National Liberal Party – The Third Way is a United Kingdom political party that was formed on 17 March 1990 as The Third Way. In 2006, the Third Way registered the name National Liberal Party – The Third Way with the Electoral Commission....
, adding that "Anyone who supports workers rights is welcome and that includes both members of the BNP and Communists." This latter claim seems to contrast with the BNP's statement that Solidarity is "a group of ... victims of Marxist persecution in the workplace" and that "[t]he Marxists in charge of the unions have only themselves to blame for the creation of this new union." Harrington argues that the BNP position represents their interpretation and that "The Solidarity Union does not bar members on account of race, religion, sexuality or political opinion."
The Harrington viewpoint appears to be the official line as the first bulletin of Solidarity stated: "the established Union or Unions will seek to present us as a ‘BNP front’. This is as a result of our principled stand against political vetting or discrimination. We believe the function of a Union is to represent the interests of workers. The easiest way to disprove this allegation, however, is to recruit from as diverse a base as possible. Our Union is open to all. We already have a diverse membership."
Solidarity has defended representing BNP members:-
- "...we are firmly opposed to unfair discrimination in employment. Not just for those from a different racial or religious background, or the disabled and aged, or those with a different sexuality. Of course we support workers who challenge this but our Union goes further. We don't believe anyone should be treated more harshly as a result of his or her political opinion. We regard this as part of what we term 'the new McCarthyism'. We are prepared to speak out on this controversial issue. We have supported members of the controversial British National Party threatened on account of their politics. We would do the same for Communists or Socialists. We still believe that democracy and basic rights are worth fighting for. This gets us a lot of flak but it is a matter of principle. We are a fighting Union that isn't afraid to go against the consensus if we think it is right."
Membership numbers
As of 20 November 2007 (the last figure filed with the Certification Office) Solidarity had a total membership of 124. Solidarity claimed in early 2009 that this had risen to 439.External links
- Solidarity website
- "BNP's Trade Union Shock" by Sadaf Meehan in The VoiceThe Voice (newspaper)The Voice is a British national weekly tabloid newspaper owned by the Jamaican publisher, GV Media Group, aimed at the British Afro-Caribbean community. The paper is based in the London Docklands and is published every Monday.-History:...
, 6 February 2006 and response by Pat Harrington - "Union Funds BNP" by Lucy Ballinger, Wales on Sunday, 12 February 2006
- Response from Harrington to Wales on Sunday article, 19 February 2006
- Text of article by Patrick Harrington apparently published in The VoiceThe Voice (newspaper)The Voice is a British national weekly tabloid newspaper owned by the Jamaican publisher, GV Media Group, aimed at the British Afro-Caribbean community. The paper is based in the London Docklands and is published every Monday.-History:...
newspaper on 13 February 2006, Third Way website - "Solidarity and Third Way" by Henry Falconer, Third Way website
- "Hack Attack on the Fighting Union - Solidarity" by Jeannie Trueman, Third Way website
- "Build the Fighting Union - Solidarity" by Patrick Harrington, Third Way website
- "BNP Union Unmasked" by Nick Lowles, SearchlightSearchlight (magazine)Searchlight is a British anti-fascist magazine, founded in 1975 by Gerry Gable, which publishes exposés about racism, antisemitism, and fascism in the UK....
, February 2006 - "Solidarity Splitters!" Article on factional in-fighting on the johninnit blog