I’m glad Kate brought this article to people’s attention. It’s a great example of how unconnected metropolitan lefty commentators can be, and deserves to be shown up as such.

For better or worse, the past 10 years have given trade unions more of what they asked for than any previous period of government – without exception.

Monbiot grudgingly acknowledges that “we now have a minimum wage, better pension protection, improvements in parental leave, and better conditions for part-time workers”. To these might be added the statutory right to trade union recognition, the right to be accompanied in a disciplinary or grievance hearing, legal protection against dismissal for trade union activities, a reduction in the qualifying period for protection against unfair dismissal from two years to one, better maternity pay and rights and the introduction of paternity rights, the outlawing of discrimination at work on grounds of sexual orientation and religious (or irreligious) belief, the repeal of Section 28, the introduction of a public sector duty to promote equality, sustained economic growth and low inflation, the right to paid holidays – now rising from 20 to 24 and in due course 28 days – and a limit on the maximum working week, massive investment in public services (especially health and education), the right to request flexible working and have that request considered seriously and historically high levels of employment.

What did a Labour government ever do for trade unionists?

The silly season has started early this year. Monbiot's article is a farrago of nonsense from beginning to end. And to think I once regarded him as a serious commentator on the basis of his articles about the environment.