TSSA welcomes Keir Starmer’s 'new deal for working people' at TUC

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has welcomed Keir Starmer’s speech at the Trades Union Congress during which he promised “a new deal for working people” under an incoming Labour Government. 

Speaking in person at the online Congress, Starmer outlined a policy platform which would see the next Labour government ban zero hours contracts, raise sick pay and extend it to all workers. There would also be full rights and protections for all workers from day one in a job, including holiday pay; protection from unfair dismissal; and guaranteed sick pay. 

Following the speech, Manuel Cortes said: 

“Keir is spot on when he says we need a new deal for working people and there’s no doubt the package of measures we heard about today would be transformative for millions around our country. 

“It was good to see our Labour leader acknowledge how so many workers have risked their own lives on the frontline during this terrible pandemic including many of our own. That is why a commitment to employment rights is so vital right now. 

“Keir made it plain that he understands we face a moment of real crisis in our country as we attempt to move away from the pandemic, and the need to deal with a worsening climate crisis. Working people deserve decent jobs, job security and clearly a Labour Government would provide the measures required to achieve those things. 

“We can’t build a post Covid recovery on the shifting sands of Tory cuts and we can’t create better lives for all if we ignore our climate emergency. That is why it was great to hear Keir pledge a green new deal for our economy. 

“This wretched out of touch Tory Government has neither the imagination nor the political will to offer workers fairness in their jobs, nor the green policies required for our collective futures. 

“Thankfully Keir Starmer and the Labour movement has the vision which is so badly needed.”