Trade unions

Joyce McMillan's claim that political donations are "fairly based" (Comment, 20 March) holds no water. Political donations from trade unions are almost always given to the Labour Party and one has to opt out of such a fund, otherwise they are automatically giving money to Labour.

Many of those who join a trade union are not made aware of this and inadvertently have their cash passed to a party they don't support. I know this because as a trade union member I failed to "opt out" and through ignorance gave money for more than two years to Labour, which I have never voted for and never would do.

The idea that all members of trade unions mindlessly support the Labour Party belongs firmly in the 1970s. These days they are just as likely to vote Liberal Democrat, SNP, Green or even Conservative. Their views and money should not be abused by those entrusted to represent their interests in their workplace, which is what their members are paying them to do.

PETE ELLIS

Station Road

Coupar Angus

Joyce McMillan's article on workers' rights (Comment, 20 March) reminds me of my short but enjoyable period of Labour Party membership in the 1980s. Under the leadership of Foot and Kinnock, the Labour Party railed against Thatcherism and all its works, campaigned against nuclear weapons and enjoyed a civil rivalry with the SNP, with which it shared a moral purpose despite their differences on the constitution.

It may be unfashionable to look upon the 1980s as great days for the Labour Party, fractious and electorally unsuccessful as it was, however the party had something then that it lacks now, namely a soul. Win or lose in the next few weeks, that soul and sense of crusading zeal is something it desperately needs to regain.

GAVIN FLEMING

Webster's Land

Edinburgh