The UK trade union movement has always had a complicated relationship with the European project, with initial scepticism in the early years of the European Community being replaced by broad support for the UK’s membership of the European Union prior to and during the Brexit years. This support reflects a number of fundamental realities that are widely understood among the union movement. First, the important role the EU has played in promoting social protections and rights at work, exemplified by its promotion of collective bargaining across member states. Second, the economic imperative of strengthening our relationship with Europe in order to support jobs and local economies. And finally, the fundamental belief in solidarity and collective strength which underpins both the European project and the trade union movement.
