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…
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…
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…
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…
Ageing members and reps: the demographics that threaten the future of unions
Most of the commentary on trade union decline concentrates on the fall in overall union membership and density (the proportion of workers who carry a union card). This is obviously cause for great…Read more…
A million Christmas workers
The arrival of the festive season is a well-deserved break for most of us from a busy year. It’s a good excuse to put our feet up, relax, indulge in our favourite food and drinks and spend it with…Read more…
The only connection between winter strikes is employers who won’t negotiate
Following industrial action in Southern Rail, Post Offices and other companies over the last week, the usual suspects have been coming out to denounce strikes. Some Conservative backbenchers have…Read more…
Let’s talk about racism at work
The increase in racist and xenophobic attacks post-Brexit created a public outcry and highlighted the fact that racism is still an issue in modern Britain. This came as no surprise for many Black…Read more…
‘Tis the season… for the work Christmas party
For many of us, the annual Christmas party is a highlight of the work social calendar. A chance to pop on a little black dress or dust off our dancing shoes. A chance to catch up with colleagues – or…Read more…
Young Worker’s Challenge #6: Underemployment
This month we’re counting down the ten most significant challenges faced by young workers. Today is underemployment. We all know that the traditional ‘9 to 5’ working day no longer exists for a large…Read more…
YOUNG WORKER’S CHALLENGE #4: OVERQUALIFICATION
This month we’re counting down the ten most significant challenges faced by young workers. Number 4 is overqualification. Being rejected from a job because you are “too qualified” is a bit of a…Read more…
Top US trade unionist responds to Trump election
Richard Trumka, President of the TUC’s equivalent in the USA, the AFLCIO, had this to say about the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election: Donald Trump has been elected president. America…Read more…
How trade unionism transformed me and my career
My family aren’t trade unionists or activists. In fact I grew up as a daughter of Indian immigrants learning that you don’t make a fuss and you accept your lot. But life has a way of…Read more…
How many legs does a horse have, if you call its tail a leg?
Answer: Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it one! On 8 July 2015, George Osborne – then Chancellor of the Exchequer – dropped a budget speech bombshell: the introduction of a statutory…Read more…
As an LGBT Christian – I’m glad justice has been served in Asher’s Bakery Case
I am a trade unionist, lesbian and Christian. For me the recent ruling on the Asher’s bakery had a particular resonance. The vote on same sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland was a sea change in…Read more…
Remembering Aberfan
Fifty years ago today at 9:15am a massive spoil tip slid down the mountain behind Pantglas Junior School, engulfing it completely. 116 children and 28 adults were killed. It’s difficult to find words…Read more…
How the Grunwick strikers changed the face of British trade unionism
The striking women at the Grunwick factory reminded me potently that trade unionists, and trade union leaders, come from all walks of life. As a south Asian women trade unionist myself, the story of…Read more…
Remembering past victims of slavery is crucial, but it’s not over yet
The 23 August is the UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery – a day to remember the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Estimates vary but around 11 million people…Read more…
Stop the death threats to Colombian trade unionists now!
I wrote with some optimism a few days ago about Colombia’s impending peace deal that would seek ratification in a referendum in September. This historic cease-fire agreement was signed on 23 June by…Read more…
Southern Rail, ScotRail and red herrings
It’s often said that it takes two sides to make a dispute; it certainly takes two sides to end one. Last week during talks at ACAS, the RMT offered to suspend strike action at Southern Rail if the…Read more…