THE labour movement might be in despair over the economic crisis, but don’t worry – the “Magnificent Seven” are riding to the rescue. No, not Yul Brynner and his band of hired guns, but the seven trade unions which launched the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group in Parliament on Wednesday to co-ordinate campaigning on key issues. The “Magnificent Seven” are: the Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union, the Fire Brigades Union, the National Association of Probation Officers, the National Union of Journalists; the Public and Commercial Services Union, the Prison Officers Association; and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington, who hosted the launch, said: “With people struggling to make ends meet, save their jobs and keep a roof over their heads the labour movement urgently needs a consistent voice in Parliament that will fight against attacks on welfare and ongoing privatisation, and campaign for peace, the restoration of civil liberties and trade union rights.”
