Opt-in or opt-out?

Juvenal Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 10:32:25 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

At the risk of kicking the whole party funding debate off once again, I have further considered the issue of opting in or out of the trade union political levy.



What's the difference between opting in and opting out? To be frank, opting out strategies tend to rely on inertia, laziness or lack of knowledge to ensure that the bulk of those involved go with the flow. That's the current situation on the political levy. Opting in means making a positive decision and requires conscious effort. It is clear that the labour movement is scared stiff that its loyal union support will desert the Party financially if they are asked to positively decide to pay.

You will be unsurprised to learn that I am in favour of a switch from opt-out to opt-in. It would mean that we would be sure that every penny from the political levy came from people who truly supported the party. It would improve our image with the public as a consequence. And I have faith that many trade unionists will decide to do so.

The full story is on my blog:
http://bread-and-circuses.net  


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Opt-in or opt-out? | 5 comments (5 topical)

Re: Opt-in or opt-out? (#1)

by CitizenAndreas on Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 10:27:16 AM GMT

I like the idea since it seems like a good compromise with the added bonus that it also makes union support a positive decision for union members.

It does raise questions as to how union members will be represented in future though.


Re: Opt-in or opt-out? (#2)

by Glass House on Mon Dec 18, 2006 at 02:30:54 PM GMT

Maybe the government should instruct all employers to add an "opt in to paying £x per month to a political party of your choice" section to people's pay slips.

Every month, you can tick a box stating whether you'd like to opt in (or opt out, if you're already in) to paying a Party X £y pounds out of your paycheck.


Re: Opt-in or opt-out? (#3)

by alexhilton on Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 11:56:32 AM GMT

Unions are independent, democratic organisations, accountable to their members. It is not for the Labour Party or the state to define how they organise themselves internally outside of the regulatory framework.

If union members want to change how things are done in their union, they can easily make it happen.


Re: Opt-in or opt-out? (#4)

by Glass House on Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 12:11:57 PM GMT

Agree 100% alex. The Unions can sort out their own internal rules. Although I'm not sure Juvenal was calling for Labour party or state intervention - I think he was just making a suggestion.


[ Parent ]

Re: Opt-in or opt-out? (#5)

by CitizenAndreas on Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 07:43:50 PM GMT

Though I'd clarify myself as well, the point I was making was that if things were changed so that union members had to opt in to paying the levy and supporting Labour, it would have implications for th e way union members were represented within the Labour party.


[ Parent ]

Opt-in or opt-out? | 5 comments (5 topical)