Unite Cuts Labour Funding by 40% Over Strike Stance

0:00On March 11th, one of Labor's biggest union supporters, Unite, is slashing its funding to the party by 40%. The move stems from a growing split with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to support a bin worker strike in Birmingham. The strike marked its one-year anniversary this week, when garbage piled up on streets and rats overran neighborhoods. Unite, led by General Secretary Sharon Graham, chose this moment to act after months of warnings. The union members are furious. Feeling Labor has abandoned workers in favor of other priorities. Graham says the decision captures widespread frustration among the rank and file. This is the first time Unite has followed through on threats to cut ties financially. The union demands Labor return to its working-class routes and back employees and disputes like this one. Tensions could strain Labor's resources ahead of future elections, as Unite has long been a top donor. We'll keep watching how this plays out in Westminster.