This is the call from the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G), which has launched a new charter of rights for people working in the third sector. It says that as the government increasingly relies on voluntary organisations to deliver public services, it must guarantee funding equal to that of the public sector.

Jennie Formby, T&G national secretary for ACTS, the section of the union that serves the third sector, says: "More and more we are seeing the government put pressure on local authorities to involve the voluntary sector in delivering local services. That means the public have a right to expect minimum standards of service and professionalism from those involved and the local authorities have a right to expect accountability of the voluntary organisations.

The trade unions want to make sure that those people involved in actually delivering the services are properly represented in this new and pressurised environment.

A campaign pack has been produced called “Valuing the voluntary sector – quality conditions for quality services” which includes briefings on wages, pensions and conditions; guidance on health and safety issues plus a negotiators guide for model funding conditions.

The T&G has a growing membership base of voluntary organisations through its ACTS section. For more information visit www.tgwu.org.uk