Trade Unions and Politics

As I understand it, PCS (Public and Commercial Sector Trade Union) are considering standing candidates in future elections as a result of the attacks on the public sector by the new Labour government. What do people think of this possibility?

My initial thoughts are that this is good, and that it could offer a new alternative to the policy of concessions shown by the main three unions (Unite, Unison and GMB) that have backed Labour since its re election in 1997. Although I acknowledge some of the good things done since '97, the Labour Party seems to have drifted further to the right and is barely distinguishable from the Tories in some areas.

In my opinion, action by PCS, along with the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Union) and FBU (Fire Brigade Union) amongst others can only be a good thing, but that if and when they stand candidates, they should only stand against those Labour politicians who have shown themselves unwilling to stand up for the interests of working people and their families i.e. those that have advocated privatisiation, war, trident renewal, ID cards and anti terror legislation.