Union weakness

Union power has always been a myth. They weren't that powerful in the 70's, alas, and couldn't even stand up to the Tories back in 1984, the miners and all that. So when they find themselves poised over New Labour's financial juglular for once they could have actually done something for their members and said - "Look - pay rise or you don't get paid.". Instead they cave in before they're even pushed and only call for ". . ."lifelong learning in the workplace, better protection for young workers, helping parents and carers to balance their home and working lives, and tackling crime..." because "They fear that if they push an agenda focusing exclusively on improved rights for unions, the main beneficiaries will be the Tories."

What the...? How...? whu...? eh?