"After years of membership decline and political exclusion, the trade unions seem to have found a new Holy Grail. The European Community's Social Charter promises political popularity and real gains for members. The years of opposition to the ‘common market' have been overtaken by a commitment to a document described by Margaret Thatcher as inspired by the era of ‘Marx and the class struggle'. The GMB has informed its members that ‘Britain is a backwater for workers' rights and social protection… The Social Charter gives trade unions a new bargaining weapon. ..."

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