I know some in Labour are keener on promoting what they do not say, rather than what they do. I understand fears that people will believe Tory propaganda that Labour only supports new employment policies because unions do.But such policies are popular even with Tory voters. But Labour does promise a decisive break from when we have had to score our goals playing uphill while the other side changed the rules as they saw fit.Indeed, the poll we published yesterday shows Labour has nothing to fear from these policies. Brian Mawhinney, the Conservative Party chairman, wants to get tough on unions in the mistaken belief that this will be electorally popular. Michael Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade, is still keen to abolish employment rights for those who work in small firms. Defeating these plans form our immediate political objectives.Longer term the political horizon is bright and promising.

I take nothing for granted but an election is likely to bring the near universal government hostility to trade unions to an end.Labour's proposals do not always go as far as we would want, and no doubt some will say that this week. Second come the employers with whom we negotiate or seek to do so Only then come our political relationships. So while I am now reconciled to it, it still makes me angry to see every TUC treated by many as little more than a dress rehearsal Labour Party conference.In any case, our most pressing problems are with the current government. This is deliberate.Our most important relationship as trade unions is with our members and those at work. Proper minimum standards protect the employer seeking long-term success from unfair undercutting.