Stronger Unions is no longer publishing new content, as we’ve moved the TUC’s new blogs to our main website at www.tuc.org.uk/blogs. Thanks for being a Stronger Unions reader over the years and we…Read more…
TUC joins calls for new elections in Brazil as illegitimate government tramples democracy
As Brazil’s CUT trade union confederation was meeting in the industrial capital of Sao Paolo, the TUC has called for new elections as the unelected government of Michel Temer continues its…Read more…
How I became a community champion and a union rep? – my story as a working mum
I work two part-time jobs with different retailers. I was only doing one before, but because my hours were in the evenings it was very difficult to balance work and childcare. I’d look after my son…Read more…
Juggling childcare and changing shifts – my story as a working dad
Before my son was born, I worked part-time but did as much overtime as I could to top up my wages. But that’s not possible when you have a baby to look after. My wife has a full-time contract and a…Read more…
Big Ben Bong Bonkers
August is usually called “The silly season” by journalists because there is so little news around as Parliament is not sitting and politicians are away on holiday. As a result they have to fill their…Read more…
If we don’t protect our arts organisations, we will lose them
For almost 25 years, Greenwich Dance has been a meeting place for dancers. Professional and professional and aspiring artists come together for classes, performance space and professional support….Read more…
Fines rise, but prosecutions fall for H&S crimes
I was very pleased to read that, between February 2016 and February 2017, the total value of fines imposed on businesses for health and safety offences was £73.2 million. That was up from £35.4…Read more…
To vape or not to vape at work?
Last month the Government issued a Five Year Tobacco Control plan for England. Several newspapers reported that this proposed that routine bans of vaping products at the workplace or in public spaces…Read more…
Campaigners and staff wish the NHS Happy birthday
On 5th July 2017 the NHS was 69. The TUC, health unions and Health Campaign Together activists joined forces outside hospitals around the country to raise awareness about the impact of the squeeze on…Read more…
After seven years of pay cuts, I’m not proud to be a prison officer anymore
I started working for the prison service in 2005. Back then I was proud of what I did. I enjoyed the job and loved working with troubled teens. I had time to spend with the lads and could share my…Read more…
Bin pre-employment health screening
Last week Iberian Airlines, part of the same company as British Airways, were fined €25,000 for asking a recruitment company to do medical screening of prospective cabin crew that included checking…Read more…
I’m committed to public service, but for seven years the government has been holding down my pay
Ashley, a medical clerk, writes about the real-life impacts of the public sector pay squeeze. Sign our petition to support workers like Ashley. I enjoy my job because I’m making a difference, even if…Read more…
I’m being exploited in the gaming industry
My company is exploiting contracted workers and I am one of them. I’m a self-employed Digital marketer for a multinational corporation in the gaming industry. I’ve worked here for two years and I’ve…Read more…
Grenfell exposes the true face of deregulation
I think it is important that we do not rush to conclusions over the catastrophic fire at Grenfell Tower that has killed so many people in West London. The priority must be supporting residents who…Read more…
Grenfell exposes the true face of deregulation
I think it is important that we do not rush to conclusions over the catastrophic fire at Grenfell Tower that has killed so many people in West London. The priority must be supporting residents who…Read more…
Britain Still Needs A Pay Rise
Over the past week, the TUC has been out across the country with one simple message – Britain Still Needs A Pay Rise. We’ve been driving around constituencies and stopping in town centres to…Read more…
Iranian workers still fighting for justice
My colleague Mehdi Kouhestani, who now works for the Canadian trade union movement, has provided this update on a three day long strike in Iran which demonstrates the struggles trade unionists in…Read more…
Iranian workers still fighting for justice
My colleague Mehdi Kouhestani, who now works for the Canadian trade union movement, has provided this update on a three day long strike in Iran which demonstrates the struggles trade unionists in…Read more…
Love Equality – the fight for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland
It was whilst working at Royal Mail at the central Tomb Street sorting office in Belfast in 2002 that I first truly fathomed the transformational power of the trade union movement. A 20-year-old…Read more…
This election is a chance for a new deal for working people: Let’s not waste it
It seems that every election, the parties tell us it’s the most important election for a generation. But this one genuinely could be. Whoever ends up forming the next government, at the top of their…Read more…