All the union news that's fit to blog...
A just transition and investment was at the heart of a debate on the future of the automotive and steel industries on Wednesday (July 9). Unite delegate Vincent Harrod, who works in the car industry, warned of the risk to hundreds of thousands of jobs in the industry and wider supply chain – and the […]
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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham’s address to policy conference drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation on Wednesday (July 9). Sharon said how proud she was to have led the UK’s biggest union over the last three and a half years, as she highlighted what Unite has achieved under her leadership. This has included double-digit […]
The post ‘Change is winning’ appeared first on Unite Live.
On Wednesday morning the conference debated the issue of artificial intelligence (AI). The first, composite 5, was called ‘A workers’ future – automation and AI’ and the second, composite 6, discussed the ‘threats and opportunities of AI’. Composite 5 called for a number of worker protections including supporting the draft TUC AI Bill, make representations […]
The post AI and the future of work appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite delegates called for an end to the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to silence workers on Tuesday (July 8). The motion on NDAs was particularly timely, after Unite published a shocking survey of thousands of its members, the significant proportion of whom have reported being sexually harassed at work. NDAs are often used to […]
The post “Muzzles for workers” appeared first on Unite Live.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted a landmark Convention on Biological Hazards in the Working Environment, with Unite’s Rob Miguel at the heart of negotiations. The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva wrapped up on June 13 with the adoption of the first-ever international labour standards aimed at preventing exposure to, and protecting […]
The post A Win for Workers appeared first on Unite Live.
Yesterday (July 8) the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI), the global confederation of construction unions, opened a crucial International Trade Union Conference: Work and Sport in Mexico City. The conference runs from July 8-9, with over 70 trade union representatives from 14 countries across Latin America, Europe, and beyond coming together with a clear goal […]
The post Kickoff for Decent Work appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite delegate Tracey Whittle of the South East region gave a stirring speech moving a motion on ensuring union literature is neurodiverse- and dyslexia-friendly. Tracey told of her personal experience of the very policy conference at which she was speaking – where printed materials in green paper that she could read were not readily available. […]
The post Dyslexia-friendly lit call appeared first on Unite Live.
Motion 58 called for the promotion of neurodiversity awareness and inclusion. It stated that, “Fostering an inclusive and equitable environment benefits both neurodivergent individuals and society.” It was moved by Kevin Hellier, from the South West. He said, “I’m a neurodivergent person and a first-time speaker. My life has had its challenges, but [my being […]
The post Promoting neurodiversity at work appeared first on Unite Live.
Motion 44 on improving female-specific workwear standards, recognised that “women across various industries face significant challenges,” because of “the lack of the properly designed workwear that accommodates their specific needs.” And by wearing this inappropriate, impractical workwear their comfort and moreover their safety is compromised. Serenity Baskett from the South West region moved the motion, […]
The post Better workwear for women call appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite delegates collectively resolved to do more to tackle far-right activism and racism in the workplace in a debate that drew numerous interventions. Unite delegate Mibinzo Vundamina gave a heartfelt speech as he moved a motion on Tuesday (July 8), highlighting the pervasiveness of racism in all our institutions. “[Racists] are some of our neighbours, […]
The post Stop the far right appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite delegates made passionate contributions in a debate on the rise of global misogyny at policy conference on Tuesday (July 8). Unite delegate Donna McClaskey of the North West region moved the motion on the topic, noting that misogyny takes so many different forms, “both overt and subtle”. She highlighted the many rights women successfully […]
The post Rise in misogyny a ‘wake-up call’ appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite is calling on the local government ombudsman to investigate whether Birmingham’s government appointed commissioners have a financial conflict of interest in keeping the bin strike going. The strikes are over pay cuts of up to £8,000 impacting around 400 workers who are either former Waste Recycling Collection Officers or bin lorry drivers. At the […]
The post Commissioners obstructed a deal appeared first on Unite Live.
A shocking new report has found sexual harassment is endemic in passenger transport sector. The landmark Unite survey found four in 10 women across the sector, including bus drivers, have suffered work-related sexual assault. The survey was launched at a packed fringe meeting at this year’s Unite Policy Conference in Brighton, and highlighted how the […]
The post Law fails women workers appeared first on Unite Live.
A motion calling for clarification on the union’s policy of the creation of mental health first aiders by employers, was moved by North West’s region Martin Gleeson. However after much heartfelt debate, the motion was overturned by the conference. Martyn Gwyther, spoke on behalf of the Executive Council, “to regretfully ask you to oppose this […]
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Unite delegates were queuing up to take part in a debate on extreme weather in the workplace, with contributors all having a personal story to share about their employer’s negligence in storms and heatwaves. Moving the composite on Monday (July 7) was Unite delegate Justin Clarke of the Republic of Ireland (ROI). He explained how […]
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Unite delegates spoke passionately in defence of a state pension tied to a real living wage on Monday (July 7) at Unite’s policy conference. Moving a composite on a “Living State Pension”, Unite delegate Mike McLoughlin explained how the UK state pension is grossly inadequate, citing statistics showing its value is at the bottom of […]
The post ‘Dignity in retirement’ appeared first on Unite Live.
The future of the NHS was at the top of the agenda in a debate on the first day of Unite’s policy conference on Monday (July 7). Delegates who spoke in the debate all denounced the widespread privatisation threatening the NHS very existence. They also emphasised the importance of pay restoration for NHS workers, and […]
The post Save our NHS appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite’s eighth policy conference opened on Monday (July 7) with a speech by Unite Executive Council (EC) chair Andy Green. Andy highlighted how Unite, under general secretary Sharon Graham, has refocused the union on jobs, pay and conditions. He noted how the union has established a reputation for supporting its members in dispute, and how […]
The post ‘Our wins speak for themselves’ appeared first on Unite Live.
Unite’s policy conference in Brighton began with a spirited debate on trade union and employment rights, with delegates expressing their anger at the Labour government’s failure to keep its promises. Unite delegate Nancy Taaffe of the London & Eastern region denounced that a Labour council is attacking bin workers in the Birmingham bin dispute. Likewise, […]
The post ‘Let’s bin anti-trade union laws’ appeared first on Unite Live.