TUC referendum call reflects wishes of vast majority of trade unionists, says RMT

Publication Date: September 12 2007

TODAY’S CALL by the TUC for a referendum on the re-named EU constitution reflects the wishes of the vast majority of trade unionists, specialist transport union RMT said in Brighton today.

"Nearly three-quarters of trade unionists want a referendum, and today's decision underlines that the progressive movement in Britain is demanding the vote that was promised two years ago," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

"This is the same constitution that Congress rejected two years ago, and delegates have today rightly identified the threat it poses as a Trojan horse for unfettered privatisation.

 "It would mark a further transfer of power to unelected mandarins in Brussels and undermine democratic advances fought for by working people over centuries.

"If a referendum is good enough for the people of Ireland, it should be good enough for the people of Britain.

"We are told we have a listening government, and if that is the case it should take serious note of the voice of organised labour, and allow the democratic vote we were promised," Bob Crow said.