Understanding the reasons for this is vital. Some of the reasons are transient, others are more deep rooted. One reason is that not all workers share the same experience. For many sections, continued economic growth means that jobs and living standards seem relatively stable and secure. They may be disappointed at some aspects of Labour's performance but they are willing to stick with the government and hope for improvements.
Labour is still dependent on the continued strength of the economy.
Without this, alternative jobs for those forced out of manufacturing will be even more hard to come by and Gordon Brown's work based benefit system will be little help. A sharp change in the economic situation, for instance if continued turbulence in the world economy turns the expected slow down into something worse, would change all this. However, while a worsening economic situation might make workers more angry, it won't automatically lead to an increased fightback. Even where workers are already facing serious attacks, signs of resistance have been patchy. There certainly are problems of confidence and experience.