After a generation of retreat and decline, the trade unions are once more starting to command the public agenda and become a major force in political and social life. The bitter firefighter's dispute, following the major strikes by local government employees, railway and tube workers, is the most recent indication of this return. Another is the unbroken run of victories in union elections for left-wing candidates, including the sensational defeat of the leading Blairite in the trade union movement, Sir Ken Jackson, in the ballot for the leadership of Amicus-AEEU. slumber. At stake are not only the reigning industrial relations dogmas of recent years - social partnership and sweetheart deals with employers - but also the future of New Labour. The new union leaders are militant in promoting members' economic interests, and also support a radical political agenda calling for both a halt to privatization and voicing vociferous opposition to the Blair-Bush war.