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/7243886.stm
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Stop 'bank-rolling' Labour call | Stop 'bank-rolling' Labour call |
(40 minutes later) | |
Plaid Cymru has launched a website encouraging trade unionists to stop funding Labour, its coalition partners in the Welsh assembly government. | |
The site aims to help trades union members halt contributions to Labour from their union subscriptions. | |
Plaid says some people are unaware that they are helping "bank-roll" the Labour party through their trade union. | Plaid says some people are unaware that they are helping "bank-roll" the Labour party through their trade union. |
But a Labour spokesman called it a "particularly weak stunt from a tired party machine". | |
Graham Smith, secretary of the Labour affiliated unions association, Tulo, describes the move as "a load of rubbish". | |
"Nobody should forget Labour's roots within the trade union movement," insisted Mr Smith. | "Nobody should forget Labour's roots within the trade union movement," insisted Mr Smith. |
"This is Plaid showing their true colours." | "This is Plaid showing their true colours." |
This is a particularly weak stunt from a tired party machine Labour Party spokesperson | This is a particularly weak stunt from a tired party machine Labour Party spokesperson |
But Plaid Cymru AM, Leanne Wood, has insisted that the website is helping union members tackle a real issue. | But Plaid Cymru AM, Leanne Wood, has insisted that the website is helping union members tackle a real issue. |
"Plaid has a long history of supporting trade unionism and workers' struggles in Wales. In the last decade, many of those struggles have been against the Labour government," said the AM, who chairs Plaid's trade union section, Undeb. | "Plaid has a long history of supporting trade unionism and workers' struggles in Wales. In the last decade, many of those struggles have been against the Labour government," said the AM, who chairs Plaid's trade union section, Undeb. |
"Trade unions bankroll the Labour Party; over the last six years unions have contributed £60m and many members are not aware that their money is going to the Labour Party. | "Trade unions bankroll the Labour Party; over the last six years unions have contributed £60m and many members are not aware that their money is going to the Labour Party. |
"Plaid is launching a website today which will simplify what can be a difficult process." | "Plaid is launching a website today which will simplify what can be a difficult process." |
The website named "Stop subsidising Labour" lets users click a link to a dozen of the UK's most prominent trade unions, bringing up a form to opt-out of political contributions. | The website named "Stop subsidising Labour" lets users click a link to a dozen of the UK's most prominent trade unions, bringing up a form to opt-out of political contributions. |
"Stunt" | "Stunt" |
But the move has clearly angered some officials in Labour, especially as the two parties are coalition partners in the Welsh Assembly Government. | But the move has clearly angered some officials in Labour, especially as the two parties are coalition partners in the Welsh Assembly Government. |
A Labour spokesman said: "This is a particularly weak stunt from a tired party machine. | A Labour spokesman said: "This is a particularly weak stunt from a tired party machine. |
"Trade union members around Wales will be asking themselves where Plaid Cymru MPs were when the minimum wage was voted on in Parliament. The answer is, in bed." | "Trade union members around Wales will be asking themselves where Plaid Cymru MPs were when the minimum wage was voted on in Parliament. The answer is, in bed." |