This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6127590.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Labour's money pledge for unions | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Labour has unveiled its first policy pledge for the Welsh assembly election with a commitment to trade unions. | |
The party is to promise money to unions so they can modernise, and extra cash to the Wales Trade Union Learning Fund. | The party is to promise money to unions so they can modernise, and extra cash to the Wales Trade Union Learning Fund. |
Education Minister Jane Davidson said the fund was "remarkably successful" in encouraging its members to learn. Any policy must be approved by members at a special conference this weekend. | |
The opposition called it a "sweetener" and "publicly-funded bribe". | |
The announcement is the first sign of how Labour intends to fight the election in May 2007, when it hopes to regain the majority it won in 2003. | The announcement is the first sign of how Labour intends to fight the election in May 2007, when it hopes to regain the majority it won in 2003. |
Labour sources said it was in keeping with the party's intention to campaign on what it calls Welsh values. | Labour sources said it was in keeping with the party's intention to campaign on what it calls Welsh values. |
'Necessary' funding | |
Ms Davidson said: "What we're saying very clearly today is whereas the '90s were about 'education, education, education,' we're turning that now to 'skills, skills, skills'. | |
"It's skills for adults as well as young people... and we know the [fund] is one of the most successful vehicles in doing that." | |
She denied it left Labour open to accusations of political favouritism, and said it was necessary to ensure the unions using the learning fund cash effectively. | |
Plaid Cymru's Alun Ffred Jones said any additional funding for training of Welsh workers should be welcomed, but warned the announcement could be perceived as a "sweetener". | |
'Massive debts' | 'Massive debts' |
Mr Jones said: "Without seeing the detailed proposal, this seems a questionable use of public money to help achieve a political end. | Mr Jones said: "Without seeing the detailed proposal, this seems a questionable use of public money to help achieve a political end. |
"Training paid for from the public purse should be available to all not just those affiliated to trade unions." | "Training paid for from the public purse should be available to all not just those affiliated to trade unions." |
Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black also described Labour's manifesto pledge as a "sweetener". | Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black also described Labour's manifesto pledge as a "sweetener". |
"If this is a foretaste of Labour's manifesto, then it seems clear they are intent on looking after their own," he said. | "If this is a foretaste of Labour's manifesto, then it seems clear they are intent on looking after their own," he said. |
"Labour's priority is repaying their massive debts with a policy bung for their union backers, rather than investing in a better Wales." | "Labour's priority is repaying their massive debts with a policy bung for their union backers, rather than investing in a better Wales." |
Conservative Alun Cairns said the policy ranked as the "worst decision" the Welsh Assembly Government had ever taken, which the Welsh people would "never accept". | Conservative Alun Cairns said the policy ranked as the "worst decision" the Welsh Assembly Government had ever taken, which the Welsh people would "never accept". |
"It amounts to taxpayers' funds going to trade unions. It amounts to handing money over to their friends," he said. | "It amounts to taxpayers' funds going to trade unions. It amounts to handing money over to their friends," he said. |
Previous version
1
Next version