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)

TUC Congress 2025: Day 3

 

Congress started with “Union wins - video” then carried on debating motions on organising and recruitment, in particular young members, employment rights, Fair funding for local authorities and social care. UNISON member Sonia Pickford received the TUC Women’s Gold Badge.

Motion 37 “Wages not weapons” was controversial and resulted in quite a bitter debate (very rare at Congress) but with some good speeches on both sides. The motion went to a card vote and was narrowly passed. UNISON voted in favour.

During the lunch break I attended a workshop on “How to harness digital to boost campaigns”. Run by the TUC social media team. It was really interesting and genuinely interactive with the audience. Will I be brave enough to do what they suggested with my social media?

There was further motions debated on backing Britain’s potteries, steel industry, shipping and the future of work.

Interestingly Government Minister, Bridget Phillipson gave an address and answered questions from delegates. Bridget has announced that she is standing in the Deputy Leadership of the Labour Party contest. It was reassuring to hear her say that the Government will ensure that the Tory-reform attempts to water down the Employment Rights Bills will be defeated “No ifs or buts”.

Congress watched a very powerful video on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace but also in the Union.

Motion 7 on “Supreme Court ruling - active support for trans and non-binary workers” was passed unanimously.

TUC Congress 2025: Day 2

The first full day of Congress (Monday) started for me with an early morning jog along Brighton beach. At 9.30am I took my seat with the UNISON delegation. 

There was a number of important debates on Fire service, Zane’s Law, Prison safety, wealth tax, tackling the far right, tackling sexism and the probation service.  There was a number of UNISON speakers.

The TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, gave a hard hitting address, attacking Reform MPs for voting against the Employment rights Bill and also for supporting US-style private health care. 

During lunch I attended a fringe on “How should trade unions respond to the rise of Reform UK” with Hope Not Hate and addressed by UNISON assistant General Secretary Liz Snape. The lesson for me from this fringe is that we have to listen, understand and win over members who support Reform and not just condemn them.

Ellie Reeves MP, a former trade union lawyer now Solicitor General, gave a well received address to Congress as the Labour Party Sororal delegate.

In the evening I went to my second fringe of the day. “Worker-Centric Housing - how do we build 1.5 million homes for where workers want to live? By YIMBY Alliance with panel speaker Maggi Ferncombe from UNISON. I expressed my usual concern on this topic that we will not be able to build all these homes without more public subsidy. 

You cannot insure your car after a car accident

 

Many thanks to our UNISON Northamptonshire Police and Fire branch for this advice. One of the hardest things I have to do as a Union rep is to refuse representation for those who only join when they have an existing problem. 

If you work for any form of public services - https://join.unison.org.uk/. 

If you don't -  check out who https://www.tuc.org.uk/joinunion

Are you a trade union rep concerned about the temperature in your workplace?

 

In the week 14 – 20 July,

@The_TUC

is inviting union health and safety reps to check their workplace temperatures. Help organise for safer, cooler workplaces!

Sign up now for our week of action, 14-20 July: https://tuc.org.uk/news/workplace-temperatures-week-action#:~:text=In%20the%20week%20of%2014,safer%2C%20cooler%20workplaces%20this%20summer!

Save the date - inspect your toilets 🚽

While being a trade union safety rep is definitely not a glamorous role, most people realise it is not a joke if you have to work outside a properly equipped office and/or suffer from many disabilities and don't have ready access to a toilet or are not allowed sufficient time to go to the loo! (thinking Sports Direct warehouses). 

At my work UNISON colleagues and myself have signed up to this campaign. We have contacted our employer health & safety team and other activists to try and carry out inspections during this TUC campaign.

I would encourage other union safety reps to do the same. 

Do you have good enough toilets and toilet breaks?

All workers need toilet breaks – it's a basic right. But many are denied this due to insufficient breaks and facilities.  To highlight the issue, we're inviting safety reps to carry out a workplace toilet inspection in the week of 17 –  23 March. We’ll be lifting the lid on what needs improving, and how unions are best placed to understand and advocate for safer workplaces.   Sign up below to take part, and we’ll send you all the info you need, including a checklist. If you carry out an inspection and tell us about it, you’ll receive a TUC Education credentials that recognises what you've done. Read more about TUC credentials. We are expecting hundreds of you to collectively take part in this inspections week of action - get involved!

SIGN UP

#HeartUnions week 10-16 February 2025

 

#HeartUnions week 10-16 February 2025 - Join in and let’s grow our movement

Can you run a recruitment stall in your local area? Run your event any time during #HeartUnions week, 10 - 16 February, or later if you need to. Sign up here to receive a pack of campaign materials, resources and guidance. There is a map of events on the Megaphone website here - make sure to add your event! The number one reason that people give for not joining a union is that they've never been asked. Can you be the person to ask? In #HeartUnions week people around the country will take to the streets to spread the word about why unions are vital for everyone at work, and they will encourage others to join a union. To grow our movement, we need more union members, more reps, more organisers, and more people to know about the power of being in a union. Can you run a recruitment stall or leafleting activity in your workplace or local area? We'll post you a bundle of resources and leaflets, and support you along the way. Sign up today Any queries, get in touch with campaigns@megaphone.org.uk (I am planning a stall during this week at work)

New UNIONREPS site

 

The TUC last year relaunched its UNISONREPS website which you can apply for a log in here TUC - UNIONREPS

It is an excellent resource where you can ask (and answer) questions of reps from other trade unions on various issues :-

• Equality
• Health & Safety
• Law & Representation
• Learning & Skills
• Organising & Recruiting
• Pensions

While it is not designed to replace your traditional sources of advice and support from your branch or region it is a really useful and informative resource for all trade union reps. 

"It’s time to “stop the witch-hunt” against flexible working, says coalition of unions and equality campaigners"

 Unions and equality campaigners have today (Monday) condemned escalating attacks on flexible working.

A joint statement released today – signed by organisations and campaigners including the TUC, Age UK, the Fawcett Society, Anna Whitehouse (founder of Flex Appeal) and Pregnant Then Screwed – warns of a “witch-hunt” against workers being able to work more flexibly.

The intervention comes as the government prepares to publish its Employment Rights Bill which is expected to enhance existing rights to flexible working.

Highlighting the ongoing briefing against flexible working, the organisations say:

“It’s time to stop the witch-hunt against flexible working. In recent weeks, we have seen relentless scaremongering about how new legislation on flexible working will harm UK businesses and productivity.    

“These warnings couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Pointing to the recruitment and retention problems facing employers the organisations say:

“There are 800,000 fewer people in the workforce than before the pandemic, and one of the biggest issues facing employers is recruiting and retaining skilled staff.    

“Look at our public services. In the midst of a staffing crisis, health, education and social care workers are leaving due to a lack of flexibility.    

“This is not an isolated example. Research published by the Charter Institute of Professional Development last year found that an estimated four million people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.  

“Flexible working can bring more people back into the labour market and keep them there.”  

Criticising the bad faith nature of the attacks on flexible working, the organisations say:

“Some have tried to claim flexible working is just about working from home.  

“But there are there are many different forms of flexible working.    

“For some people it means stable and predictable shift patterns so they can do the school run. For others it means compressed hours to allow for an extra day at home to care for loved ones.  And for some it’s a job share to allow time for study alongside work.    

“This is about developing patterns of work needed for a modern economy and a modern workforce.  

“Flexible working is good for workers, good for employers and good for growth.”  

Commenting on the joint statement, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Flexible working – and in particular working from home – is being misrepresented to attack the government’s wider plan to Make Work Pay. It’s time we called it out.  

“Improving access to flexible working will benefit workers and businesses, whether it's through increasing staff productivity or higher retention. And the same is true of improving workers’ rights across the piece.

“When people feel secure and respected at work, they have happier, healthier lives and perform better in their jobs.”

Jemima Olchawski, Fawcett Society Chief Executive, said: “We have to ask who benefits from parroting the fallacy that flexible working and flexible workers are bad for business – it's just nonsense.

“What really holds growth back is rigid, outdated work practices that exclude women, older workers, and those managing health conditions.

“Offering flexible working options increases the talent pool and enables more people to work.

“While that may threaten those who are happy to maintain the status quo, it can only be good for our economy. We need to see all jobs advertised as flexible by default.”

Victoria Benson, Chief Executive of Gingerbread, said: “Too many single parents are locked out of the workforce or stuck in jobs beneath their skill level because of old fashioned, inflexible working patterns.

“Employers who don’t offer flexible working are missing out on an untapped pool of talent and single parents are missing out on jobs.

“We need to see single parents supported to thrive at work – not just because it’s good for them and their children but because it's good for employers and our economy, too." 

Hat tip It’s time to “stop the witch-hunt” against flexible working, says coalition of unions and equality campaigners | TUC

TUC Webinar: Mental health is a workplace issue

Mental health is a workplace issue Thursday 10 October 2024 |14:00-15:00

 

    

 

Join us on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, where we will discuss mental health as a workplace issue. We will be joined by reps from CWU (Communications Workers Union), POA (Prison Officers Association), and the Shop workers' union (USDAW) who will share some of the latest campaign work around mental health workplace initiatives, policies and practices they have negotiated with employers in their workplaces. Come along and hear valuable tips and good practice methods that are making an impact on the wellbeing of workers.

 

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

 

Attendees of the live webinar will receive a TUC digital credential to demonstrate what they have learned. Find out more about digital credentials. Live captions will be available during this webinar.

TUC Congress 2024: Sunday

This afternoon at 4pm it was the start of Trade Union Congress 2024 in Brighton Conference centre. Congress will last until Wednesday. I am here as a UNISON delegate and was really pleased that the first motion was "Standing up for care workers" moved by a UNISON care worker, Sian Stockholm. This was passed unanimously. 

The President this year is Fire Brigade Union (FBU) General Secretary, Matt Wrack,who started his career as a firefighter in Silvertown, Newham. He spoke passionately about Grenfell in his address and was also in tears after the speeches about him in the "vote of thanks" for his past year as President. 

The address by sororal delegate from the Labour Party, was by former trade union lawyer, Ellie Reeves MP (sister of the Chancellor) .  She made it clear that while there will be differences between the unions and a Labour Government, Labour under Keir Starmer will remain the party for workers. Afterwards Matt presented Ellie with a TUC Gold Badge. 

While Akhator Joel Odigie, the general secretary of ITUC Africa also addressed Congress. He reminded us that Africa supplies Europe not only with NHS workers but precious metals for mobile phones and car batteries. He wished that Labour UK plans on rolling back zero hour contracts, fire and rehire etc were not also happening in Africa.   

Final item today was remembering union activists who had passed away in the last year.

I will try and post on Congress, speakers, speeches and fringes when I can. It is exciting that this is the first TUC in 14 years to take place at the same time as a Labour Government.

TUC London, Eastern & South East Regional Council AGM 24

 

(Text largely from my twitter account @grayee) "At @The_TUC LESE AGM in Congress House, London (home of the British Trade union movement) which I am attending as a @unisonglr delegate.

After a minutes silence to remember comrades who have died in past year, the AGM starts with a Video message from @The_TUC General Secretary @nowak_paul & now verbal report from @TUC_LESE regional Secretary @GurneySam.

Bit of a shock that TUC Executive Council are considering whether they should remortgage Congress House & refurbish it to modern standards or sell it & move elsewhere.

Next @The_TUC President & GS @fbunational @MattWrack keynote speaker on ""meeting the challenges & organising to win". Matt speaks passionately about 7th anniversary of #Grenfell, the vote winning importance of @UKLabour #NewDealforWorkingPeople & 40th anniversary of #Minersstrike

@The_TUC Women's officer @louloupound gives update on workplan to build union capacity to tackle sexual harassment in workplace. Nikki does not dodge the fact that we need in our own #LabourMovement to get our House in order & address sexual harassment & discrimination.

Next update was by @TUC_LESE officer Adrian Ryan on the London union learning project Unionlearn

Now election results for @TUC_LESE executive council and elections for President, Vice Presidents, treasurer, SOC & auditors. New President @RMTunion Kathy Mazur thanks Jim Kelly & then moves RMT motion 1 "A better railway for London, SE and the East of England"

Motion passed unanimously. Now 2nd RMT motion "No more P&Os: A fair pay agreement for the ferry sector". Also passed unanimously.

Update by @TUC_LESE Laurie Heselden on "New Deal for Working People". Making it clear that this is a trade union policy as much as @UKLabour

Following some rather odd & negative comments from a couple of delegates Our @unisontheunion delegation leader @organiserjo makes the point in Q&A that the relationship of @TUC_LESE &
@UKLabour @labourunionsuk & the positive work that is done. While President @unitetheunion Jim Kelly gave a ringing endorsement of @SadiqKhan for his support 4 workers

Update by project lead Maria McCaul on London Unemployed Strategies

Final update by Daniel Shannon-Hughes on @TUC_LESE Bulletin. Only 3k out of 1.8 million trade unionists are current subscribers'. Scan to sign up! (top left of collage) or click here  https://tuc.org.uk/lese-news\

Final item Finance report. Meeting closed.

Rachel Reeves Explains Labour's New Deal For Working People

Hat tip TUC. Good stuff!

"Pensions under the next Government": TUC Pension Conference 13.3.24

 

Picture of Keynote speaker, Liz Kendall MP, at today's TUC Pension conference. Will post more later in week. There is definitely a feeling we are going to win power at next General election but we cannot take anything for granted. 

HeartUnion Blues 2024

Love Unions week finishes on Sunday. In the meanwhile :-

"Have a bit of musical fun, with deep political foundations And if you and all your trade union friends want to cheer yourselves up and give your politics a happy bounce in HeartUnions week, then watch TUC LESE HeartUnions Blues"

#HeartUnions Join UNISON

TUC heartunions week 2024

12 – 18 February 2024

Annual TUC week to promote trade unions and UNISON to the wider public and in workplaces.

TUC Understanding Pensions Course - (London Classroom)

My first ever pension course was provided by the TUC (a long time, long ago) But I can still remember it. I would recommend all union reps should attend such a pension course. Over the years Jonathan has been my TUC tutor on a number of occasions. 

"This course provides a basic knowledge to union reps around pensions.

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:30 - Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:30 BST

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, Tottenham Centre

High Road London N15 4RU

Pensions are an important trade union issue. The trade union movement has consistently argued that pensions should be equitable, fair, and provide a decent living standard in retirement. Over the past 10 years the landscape of pensions has brought many changes. This course cuts across of that to provide a basic knowledge to union reps to know what these changes are and the impact on them and their members. It is also an opportunity to think about how to organise in our workplaces around this issue.

How long is the course?

This course will be delivered over 3 Thursdays in a classroom.

How much is the course?

There are no course fees for union reps from TUC affiliated unions.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is for residents of England only. This course will be delivered by The College of Haringey, Enfield and NE London. Please be aware that funding restrictions in some areas may mean that a college cannot accept your application: if this is the case you will be notified which college to reapply to.

Please be aware, applications will cease to be available 2 weeks before the scheduled start date. If you wish to apply after this date, please contact jonathan.jeffries@conel.ac.uk.

*Please ensure that you have time off to attend this course and that you have notified the appropriate union branch official or officer that you intend to take the course.Over 

Protect the right to strike as the Tories act to axe workers’ rights

 

Join the TUC-organised march and rally in Cheltenham on 27 January

(hat tip UNISON - I cannot attend due to clash https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-gray-1702669640623)

Forty years ago, GCHQ workers were banned from joining a trade union. Twenty-seven years ago they won back that right. Today, the Conservative government is attempting to restrict the right to strike for over five million workers.

Last year, it introduced the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which stipulates that when workers in certain sectors vote to take legal strike action, they could be forced back to work and sacked if they do not comply.

The TUC is organising a march and rally to celebrate union history, protest against this government and stand up for the right to strike.

UNISON is supporting the rally, which will take place in Cheltenham – the home of GCHQ – on Saturday 27 January and is urging members and branches to attend.

The march will gather from noon and set off at 12:30pm and will be finished by 4pm.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will be among the speakers. Last year, giving her opinion on the when the bill was announced, she said: “Draconian and undemocratic measures are about to be imposed by a government that has spent over a decade creating the situation we’re in now.

“High inflation, a pay crisis in our public sector, the NHS on its knees, and an economic outlook as grim as the constant sleaze that flows out of Whitehall. This bill will do nothing to change any of that, and we must be part of the campaign to defeat it.”

Organisers welcome trade union banners, but are asking that no inflatables are taken to the event.

Get signed up! Love to Learn. TUC courses 2024

 

TUC Education courses - 2024

Find out more about courses running in your area from January 2024. Our courses offer essential training for reps and help you develop your skills. Scotland Northern Region North West Region Yorkshire and the Humber Region Midlands Region London, East and South East Region South West Region Wales We are still in the process of adding new courses over the coming weeks so please keep checking the site at https://www.tuc.org.uk/TUCcourses If you know of other reps who don't receive these updates from TUC Education, they can sign up here.

TUC Pensions Conference 2024: pensions under the next government

I have just registered. https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/tuc-pensions-conference-2024-pensions-under-next-government

Overview

Registrations are now open for the TUC Pensions Conference 2024 on Wednesday 13 March at Congress House, London. 

With a general election on the horizon, the conference will explore the challenges facing an incoming government in pensions policy, including: 

• Helping more low paid workers to save for retirement 
• Raising employer contributions so more workers build up an adequate pension pot 
• Helping workers to turn their pension pots into a retirement income 
• The future of the state pension age 
• The role of pension schemes in funding infrastructure 

There will also be a range of workshops for pension fund trustees and union reps, covering subjects such as promoting sustainable investment, handling member complaints, and bargaining with employers. 

Join us at Congress Centre to hear from a range of trade unionists, policy makers and pension experts.