by René Lavanchy
Unions have given a mixed reception to the TUC’s launch of a debate on whether the voting system for general elections should be changed.
In a paper published last week, the TUC outlined a number of options for reforming the electoral system without supporting any one approach, but making clear that it felt the democratic system in Britain needs to be reformed. The paper comes as the Government plans a referendum on replacing the first-pass-the-post system for general elections with the alternative vote.
But a survey of the TUC’s biggest unions for Tribune has found that while some welcome the prospect of electoral reform, many are wary of change, or even of supporting the discussion. None of Labour’s affiliated unions who responded would admit to supporting electoral reform, suggesting a reluctance to discuss potentially divisive issues in the run-up to the general election.
The TUC’s congress in Liverpool last year voted to start a debate on reforming the electoral system after the MPs’ expenses scandal.
Gerry Doherty, general secretary of the TSSA transport union, welcomed the paper: “Our system has to be rejuvenated in order that the currently disillusioned are incentivised to participate.” But he added: “Currently, the biggest threat to our democracy is not the voting system, but the continued fall in participation rates.”
A Unison spokesperson said: “We welcome the debate into electoral reform and will be participating in the TUC’s general discussion.” The Communication Workers’ Union and the General Federation of Trade Unions also said they welcomed the paper. Usdaw, UCATT, ASLEF and the GMB declined to comment.
Unions not affiliated to Labour were more supportive of reform. A spokesperson for the Public and Commercial Services Union, which proposed the original motion to Congress, said: “We’re in favour of a more proportional system. The democratic deficit which the current system fosters will be dealt with.” They welcomed the TUC paper for starting a debate: “It’s something on which the trade union movement can take the debate forward.”
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT supports electoral reform and a change in the voting system and we welcome the debate started at 2009 Congress on the points raised in the discussion paper. There is clearly a massive failure in terms of working class political representation”.
The Government decided at the end of last year to pass a law before the general election requiring a referendum on the alternative vote to be held no later than 2011. However, many of the Labour MPs that would be required to pass such a law, as well as some ministers, remain unconvinced, while the Conservatives are almost unanimous in opposing reform.
