GMB Magazine GMB24 Centre Point Spring 2016 | Page 10

GMB IPNE
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REFINERY DISPUTE
Paul Kenny speaks out against the
es.
undercutting of GMB members’ wag

An

ANGRY YES

The European referendum will be the biggest decision
for a generation for GMB members and their families…

A

vote on whether the UK
should remain a member of
the European Union or not
is rushing towards us. It’s a
massive moment, which could dramatically
change the lives of working people and
their families for generations to come.
Have no doubt about it – this vote really
matters. It matters a lot.

DIVERSION
One of the worst-kept secrets is that the EU
needs reform. The vision of a social Europe
raising living standards and building the
economies of new member states has lost
its way. In truth, it has been diverted, with
the interests of businesses put ahead of
those of working families.
The exploitation of people desperate for
a better life has been growing in recent years.
Undercutting wage rates and denying local

people jobs are now the visible signs of
this corporate exploitation.
It’s wrong, it’s outrageous and it is
completely stoppable. Not by voting to leave
the EU, but by demanding a return to that
vision of a social Europe.
Does anybody actually believe that the
European laws on things like maternity and
paternity pay, health and safety protections,
equal rights for part-time workers, TUPE, paid
holidays, and so much more, would be
protected by the Conservatives, UKIP or any
of their fellow travellers? Dream on if you do.
This crucial vote should not be about a
protest or to save David Cameron’s skin but
about our future, your future. During
the referendum campaign, we will all
be bombarded with opinions, statistics
and misinformation, with the media telling
you how to think and plain, old-fashioned
lies and prejudice.
GMB will be honest and informative

throughout the process. GMB will not
promote any argument that pitches worker
against worker. This coming vote is about
our future, about a vision of what a social
Europe can bring.

THE ROAD AHEAD
It’s time to be positive about the benefits EU
membership brings to our economy, jobs and
environment.
The closeness of the polls must be the
wake-up call for those in Westminster and
Brussels that the British people are serious
about change – and change for the better
– but the harsh, straightforward fact is that
we cannot get that change by voting to
leave the EU.
Please join our campaign for a Europe
that works for all GMB members. Visit
www.GMBinEurope.org.uk to find
out more.

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10 GMB National

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