As ever, Adam Trimingham contributes a challenging article on the links between unions and the Labour Party, and union roles in the modern world (The Argus, September 11).

One key fact he omits is that trade unions founded the Labour Party. It is hardly surprising, then, that these unions (which represent 6 million people in the UK) should want a say in Labour’s direction and use of funding.

At least we are democratic and open, unlike the major funders and lobbyists of the Tories, who represent big business and are generally secretive groups. Look at the cosy tax deals between HMRC and some big companies.

Adam says trade unions would do better to concentrate on the welfare of members, and not “interfere... in local and national politics”. As both are inextricably linked, that is just not possible.

Is he really suggesting that my branch should not fight a council decision to privatise a service, or to defend our golf course members against a private sector employer who intends to cut their low wages by several thousand pounds a year?

Or that a political decision by the Government to slash the value of our pensions is an issue we should ignore?

In Brighton and Hove City Council, nine out of ten staff are in a trade union (and we have thousands more in the voluntary and private sectors) – probably one of the highest densities in the country.

Why? The answer lies in results for members. We don’t win every time but we negotiate, we consult, sometimes we take industrial action – we are very successful, not just for members but in saving the taxpayer money and providing private sector members and employers with expertise in resolving issues.

So, it is entirely legitimate for Unison members to ask Labour, which claims to represent “the people”: What are you doing for us?

It is a serious question; it is a debate essential for both organisations and it is what democracy is about, in my view. Adam, I am sure, would agree with this.

Alex Knutsen, Unison