TUC Congress 2025: Day 4

 

Last day of Congress. I was up early to go for final jog along the prom but it was raining, so being very much a fair weather runner, I went to the hotel gym instead. 

Congress started as usual at 9.30am beginning with the the latest "Union wins video", then a powerful debate on Composite motion "The Crisis in Palestine", which was followed by an address from the International Speaker – Shaher Saed from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions. 

Then controversial motions on Climate change and a "Just Transition" requirement amendment (carried) followed by "Reform of the TUC". 

As with the "Wages not Weapons" motion previously, there was a clash between predominantly public sector unions and private sector unions on the Just Transition amendment. 

While in the debate on the "Future of the TUC" seemed me more about the role of the TUC - should it act as the national UK trade union or its traditional role to facility a UK federation of independent unions? Again some great speeches, some not that comradely, on both sides of the argument. The motion was clearly lost.   

There was also a number of important motions on disability issues followed by 6 Emergency motions. 

Check out the programme for Congress business here https://www.tuc.org.uk/Congress2025/programme-business-congress-2025 and results here https://congress.tuc.org.uk/motion_type/all_motions/#sthash.RRkjFVlf.bgWohJM8.dpbs

Final business of Congress was the traditional vote of thanks and award of a Gold Badge (and Congress bell!) to the outgoing President, Mark Dickinson, who had been a marvellous Chair of Congress. Efficient, fair and supportive of first time speakers. By coincidence he reminded me of my former Branch Chair, Tony Power, in looks and temperament.  

Next years President is the General Secretary of the Prison Officers union, Steve Gillan. Who Mick Lynch, from the RMT cheekily suggested would deal with any dissent in the TUC General Council by locking the door until they agreed a line. 

After close of Congress there was a rush to the hotel to pick up luggage, then I walked to the station (no rain) and was able to get into the rear first class coach of the Thameslink train (no need for upgrade on this carriage only) with 2 other UNISON delegates from London for further debate (and gossip)