I think it is fair to say we were all a little shocked at Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a general election last week.
In less than six weeks, the people will decide the direction of travel for the UK in the next few years.
The General Election is our opportunity to remove a government which continues to erode our hard-won rights in the workplace and society.
This is our opportunity to start making that change to ensure that working class voices have a place and can speak up and defend our rights without fear.
I take inspiration from the amazing examples of courage and dedication to defending democracy that is demonstrated by our international colleagues across the world.
In places like Colombia and nearer to home in Europe, the battle against the far-right is being led by our trade union colleagues.
Their experience shows that we cannot miss the opportunity to roll back the attacks on our working and civil rights.
UNISON will continue to work through our Labour Link to influence Labour Party policy as we have on the New Deal for Working People.
The New Deal will make a real difference for UNISON members if Labour are elected and will give trade unionists an avenue to fight back and stop the erosion we have seen in the past 14 years.
If you can, join us on the campaign and, most importantly, make your vote count!!