Unite Chief Sharon Graham Slams Government for Cutting Pensioner Benefits, Proposes Wealth Tax as Solution

Unite leader accuses government of targeting retirees by slashing winter fuel allowances

At the TUC conference in Brighton, Unite's leader Sharon Graham criticized the government for reducing winter fuel payments. She proposed a 1% tax on the wealthiest individuals as a solution to the £22 billion deficit in public finances.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Sunday, September 8, 2024, 8:

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Militant union chief Sharon Graham expressed to Sky News that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is responsible for "robbing the elderly" by reducing winter fuel allowances.

The head of the Unite union addressed the crowd on the first day of the TUC conference in Brighton, advocating for the implementation of a wealth tax on millionaires to finance the reinstatement of winter payments for pensioners.

"The UK is facing a crisis, and it's crucial that we make drastically different decisions," Ms. Graham stated.

"We urge Labour to refrain from targeting the elderly for financial contributions and instead propose a wealth tax on the top 1% of the wealthiest individuals in society."

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She stated that her plan would generate £25 billion, which is more than sufficient to cover the £22 billion deficit that the chancellor and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attribute to the necessary reductions.

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"We've completed the task; now let's go forward and transform our community," she continued.

"We urge the government to reconsider their position. This problem won't just disappear. Winter is approaching, and many will be left in the cold."

"Older individuals may resist turning on their heating."

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14 years of 'waiting in line for a salary increase'

Responding to union demands for salaries to revert to 2010 levels, Ms. Graham commented, "For more than 14 years, workers and their communities have been at the bottom of the priority list. They've consistently been placed last, experiencing wage stagnation."

Their salaries haven't increased at the same rate as inflation. As inflation has become entrenched, even though it's rising at a slower pace, those high costs are now firmly established.

"The message from the union is clear: it's essential that workers receive fair compensation, and that's a point of pride."

"It's important to affirm that employees deserve fair wages. That is the goal I am advocating for."

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