The London Citizens Workers' Association was launched today, May 1, 2006 at Westminster Cathedral, London. Before I arrived there was a procession into the building for a "mass for workers."

I arrived for the 'Living Wage Rally' outside the cathedral, with speakers including Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor (the leader of the Catholic Church in England & Wales), Sir Iqbal Sacranie (Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain), and Jack Dromey (General Secretary of the TGWU) along with representatives of other unions and faiths, and of the new association.

Workers in low paid jobs often also lack decent working conditions and there is little trade union representation. The workers association aims to fight a campaign for a living wage for low paid workers as well as training them to organise and campaign and providing free advice on rights at work and legal support. It will also provide English classes.

Several large employers have already responded positively to these demands and were awarded 'Living Wage Employers Awards' at the Rally.

More pictures on 'My London Diary' shortly.