I am a product of the trade union movement having joined on my first day as a postman, becoming an elected official at the age of 23 and achieving elected positions at all levels in the union up to General Secretary. I was proud to lead my union in its successful campaign against Post Office privatisation and into the merger that created the Communication Workers Union. I served on the General Council of the TUC and the trade union section of the Labour Party National Executive Committee.

As Member of Parliament I led the campaign for compensation for distant water trawlermen thrown out of work following the so-called “cod wars”, securing all the objectives of the British Fishermen’s Association. As junior Minister at DTI I developed the Manufacturing Advisory Scheme and implemented the review of employment relations legislation that extended protection to workers and trade unions.

As a Cabinet Minister:

• At DWP I raised the scandal of women’s pensions to help women gain full pension rights.

• At DTI I took through legislation to increase maternity leave and pay as well as introducing paternity, adoption and parental leave and the right to request flexible working, including for carers. I also expanded the protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation to the provision of goods, facilities and services.

• At DfES I have sustained and promoted the unique “social partnership” between the department and the trade unions in the education sector – ATL, ASCL, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, PAT, TGWU (Unite) & Unison.

• Whilst at DWP & DTI I led the negotiations to establish new pension arrangements for three million nurses, teachers and civil servants. From a position of industrial conflict we established a first class negotiated agreement which protected the normal pension age of existing staff while laying the groundwork for a new scheme which retained defined benefits in all these sectors.

The link between the unions and Labour is historic and enduring. I have always supported its continuation. Indeed rather than diminish the link I want affiliated trade unions to play an enhanced role helping to meet the key challenges facing working people such as climate change, globalisation, skills and energy security.

I invite you to compare my record. My commitment to trade unionism remains as strong to day as it was when I was a front line activist. I believe fundamentally in the power of independent trade unions as a force for good in a mature democracy.

Read my statement on why trade union members should vote for me

Read my biography

Read my responses to the UnionsTogether Election Survey

View my UnionsTogether TV Interview