The Trades Union Congress is opposed to PFI and PPPs and two years running the Labour Party supported a trade union position calling for an independent review of the policy on PFI and PPPs.
UNISON has followed a twin track approach - opposing PFI in principle whilst getting the best protections for members affected by PPPs.
Trade unions have also followed an evidence based approach and collected examples of the problems arising from PPPs. We have worked with academics and consultants to develop a solid, intellectual case against the methodology underpinning PPPs. The government has been unable to counter this.
There have been many local campaigns and campaigns against specific PPP proposals. Trade unions nationally and locally have developed alternative proposals for large scale PPPs and worked with communities and affected users.
At the same time we have worked to protect members being transferred to PPPs, producing training, guidance and support. Whilst the trade unions welcome the protections against the two tier workforce, the ultimate goal is for a fair wages clause along the lines of the International Labour Organisation Convention 94.
The campaign has an international dimension - working not only at European level, but also with fellow trade unions around the world and with PSI.