Awkward squad (trade unionists)

The awkward squad is an informal grouping of socialist trade unionists in the United Kingdom. The term was given in 2002-03 to those that opposed what they regarded as the economically liberal policies of the ruling New Labour faction of the Labour Party.[1] It includes such figures as the late Bob Crow of the RMT, Mark Serwotka of the PCS and Jeremy Dear of the NUJ, and has seen an increase in co-operation between unions in an attempt to set a new political agenda.

The awkward squad is split between those who wish to "reclaim" the Labour Party for socialism, and those who want to break with Labour and try to build a new socialist movement. Some of the latter have already shown some support for parties, including the Scottish Socialist Party and the Respect Coalition. Two former members of the Awkward Squad have since lost their union posts. In July 2003, Mick Rix of ASLEF was ousted by the moderate Shaun Brady.[2][3][4] Two years later, in May 2005, Andy Gilchrist, a member of the "reclaim Labour" grouping, was ousted by Matt Wrack,[5] who is more inclined towards building a new party. Jeremy Dear is a supporter of the Socialist Appeal tendency within the Labour Party.

Gilchrist has said that "It's a well known secret that many of us meet up to discuss. We'll support each other on specific issues and follow each other's lead."

Members

References

  1. ↑
  2. ↑ "Leftwinger Rix loses Aslef post". BBC News. 17 July 2003.
  3. ↑ Millward, David (14 August 2004). "'Left's kangaroo court' axes Aslef's moderate leader". The Daily Telegraph.
  4. ↑ "Profile: Shaun Brady". BBC News. 13 August 2004.
  5. ↑ "Gilchrist out as fire union boss". BBC News. 6 May 2005.
  6. ↑ Beckett, Francis (8 September 2003). "Awkward? Us? Never!". New Statesman.
Sources
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