War on Want - a history of solidarity

War on Want has worked with the British labour movement for almost sixty years. Trade unions at all levels have been key supporters of War on Want and we have developed strong and lasting links.

As long ago as 1981, War on Want launched a "One hour's pay" campaign with the support of Harold Wilson and the British labour movement. The campaign raised the issue of poverty and unemployment in the UK and in the developing world and called on supporters to donate one hour's pay. It raised £10k and attracted trade union members, celebrities and the general public who subsequently became involved in a War on Want supported "People's March for Jobs".

By 1985 we had 16 national trade unions affiliated or contributing regularly (we now have 25). Trade unions have also been responsible for providing practical help. In order to support our partners in Western Sahara, the FBU took fire tenders out to Algeria loaded with materials to help build air-conditioned warehouses so that those Saharawi living in exile in refugee camps would be able to store food.

Trade unions have not only supported our campaigns, but have also offered invaluable support for our partners. The trade union Prospect has supported our partner, Cactus in Colombia an organisation that offers advice to workers in the flower industry who are trying to organise as trade unions.

More recently, in 2009 many trade unions signed up to our Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops campaign. Unite the union helped to fund a visit from our partners in Honduras and is supporting our 2010 Annual Conference.