Coronavirus poses an exceptional threat to all of us and we would like to take the opportunity to reassure every GMB London Region member that we will not be taking a back seat during this unprecedented time.
The uncertainty casts a dark shadow over our lives, livelihoods and loved ones. It doesn’t matter if you work in our public services, energy, manufacturing, or retail sectors, or whether you are employed, unemployed, or retired, whatever your gender, race, or sexuality, we are in this as one.
Your trade union is not exempt from this either but it is important to us to let you know that whatever happens, your union will be here for you using whatever resources we have to fight for you and alongside you. GMB London will do the best we can for you and your family.
We have always said that our priority is the defence of your interests and it’s been the feature of our message for the last four years. That remains the case now more than ever; making sure employers and governments recognise and respect your basic employment, health and safety, and human rights is vital.
We want you to know that your union is here for you and we will do whatever we can with everything that we have to fight for you. If you need any support rather than calling our offices at this busy time, please get in touch with us through our online Support Centre which is being continuously managed and wherever possible make sure you include your GMB membership number on all communications with us.
The GMB National website is being updated daily with details of how to contact your local union offices or to update your member details to receive our latest communications. Similarly, if you know a colleague who is not a GMB member and wants to join online then can do so via this link. If you are unable to contact a rep or officer, UnionLine has a dedicated Coronavirus phone line on 0114 296 2072 but please only use this if really needed as it is likely the line will be quite busy.
Undoubtedly there will be tough times ahead but we will take a no-nonsense approach with any employer that abuses or compromises your pay, safety, security, and time. No worker should be exploited or put in danger by negligence. And we will exhaust all the options to sustain jobs and work. It’s about everyone doing the right thing.
We believe that it’s never been more important to organise and to stick together. If we look after and fight for each other then not only can we get through this crisis, we can also build something better for when this is over. That’s what hope and solidarity is all about and those are our trade union values.