Some of Wales’ most senior trade unionists, have come out in favour of Carwyn Jones’ candidacy for the Leadership of the Welsh Labour Party.
Earlier in the election process, Carwyn received formal supporting nominations from four trade trade unions in the affiliated organisation section of the electoral college. That backing came from the Musicians Union, NUM (South Wales), UCATT; and UNISON Cymru/Wales Labour link.
As well as enjoying the private support of many members from all trades unions in Wales, Carwyn has now received the public backing from senior individual union activists and leaders, for his bid to replace Rhodri Morgan as Leader.
The list of officials include:
- Wayne Thomas, General Secretary National Union of Mineworkers (South Wales Area);
- Nick Blundell, Regional Secretary UCATT;
- Ken Daniels, GMB branch secretary, Cardiff City Council Branch;
- Brian Farr, GMB Convenor Staedtler and Regional Committee member;
- Tom Edwards, Vice Chair of Musicians Union Executive Committee;
- Chris Musgrave, PCS young trades unionists co ordinator and Pontypridd CLP youth officer;
- Peter Cruse, Branch Secretary, UNISON RCT;
- Guydon Cerasuoll, former UNITE shop steward, Corus Port Talbot;
- Craig Jones, Branch Secretary GMB Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC Branch;
- Amanda Jones, GMB Regional Council member;
- Dawn Bowden, UNISON officer;
- Martin Parsons, NUM Lodge Chair, Unity Mine, Pentreclwyddau;
- Paul O Shea, Regional Secretary UNISON;
- John Cronin, UCATT, Wales Regional Council Member;
- Dave Bumford, former Chair and Branch Secretary, BECTU.
Commenting on his latest wave of support, Carwyn said:
“I treasure the special role that trades unions play within the Labour movement. Trades unionism is in the Labour Party’s DNA. Therefore, to receive the support of so many Welsh union activists and leaders, is a source of great pride to me and I will not let them down.
“Over the last twelve months, I have travelled across Wales talking to trade unionists about what kind Wales they want to see in the future – both economically and socially.
“From the economic perspective, I have listened to their views on how they want Wales to succeed in the future. That is why I have placed great emphasis in my manifesto on the rebirth of Welsh manufacturing under my Leadership, to create a new dymanic economy.
“That is why want to ensure that bringing together government, trades unions and the private sector is not just a remedy for times of difficult economic times but a model that we can build on in the future.
“As First Minister, I will be committed to delivering an approach that will be based on social partnership – one which embraces sustainability, good employment practices, a commitment to training and to corporate social responsibility.
“The fact is, unionised companies run safer factories. They are more equal companies. They are more environmentally-friendly companies. That is why I want to see trades unions in Wales play a central role in that partnership.
“Likewise, public sector workers help people every day and deserve the respect of politicians and the public. That is why I am opposed to the privatisation of public services and I will want to ensure that the Welsh Assembly Government protects public services, including the NHS, even at a time of financial stringency.”
