Fringe events - Congress 2023
Sunday evening
18.30 - 19.45
Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group, PCS, Greener Jobs Alliance
THE CASE FOR A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE: REORGANISING THE STATE FOR THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY, PEOPLE AND PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
The impacts of climate breakdown are intensifying: more than ever, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is needed. But this government's failure to address the crisis have left ordinary people facing soaring energy bills, and crucial infrastructure like public transport failing, while energy giants pocket obscene profits.
A transformation is needed. A National Climate and Biodiversity Service could deliver on decarbonisation and biodiversity targets at the pace and scale demanded by science. By providing coherence and coordination across government, including devolved, regional and local government, an NCS will organise, plan, train and deliver the huge number of jobs required for a rapid and far reaching transition that puts economic and social justice for workers and communities at its heart.
Speakers: John Moloney, PCS Union; Suzanne Jeffery, CACCTU; Stephen Smellie, Unison
Chair: Tahir Latif, Greener Jobs Alliance
Venue: Room 4a
18.30
Institute of Employment Rights & The Campaign for Trade Union Freedom
TRADE UNIONS AND THE LAW: THE DRIFT TOWARDS AUTHORITARIANISM
The pernicious Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill has now been passed by Parliament. Alongside the increasingly anti-trade union legislation already on the statute books, we are now faced with the question of how the movement should respond to this latest attack on workers’ rights, designed to delegitimise trade union activity.
Come and hear from academics, labour lawyers and leading trade unionists how we might counter this existential threat and the drift to authoritarianism. As part of this discussion, we will be looking at how our movement has responded to threats of illegality in the past, and how that might inform our collective response.
This fringe is kindly sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors.
Speakers: Prof Keith Ewing, Kings College London; Lord John Hendy KC: Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary elect; Lydia Hayes, University of Liverpool: Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary; Neil Todd, Thompsons Solicitors; Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary; speaker from War on Want
Chair: Sarah Woolley, Bakers Union, BFAWU general secretary.
Refreshments provided.
Venue: Love Lane Brewery, 62 – 64 Bridgewater St, Baltic Triangle, L1 0AY
18.45 - 19.30
Unite and the TUC Young Workers Forum
BUILDING A MOVEMENT FOR THE FUTURE
Unions are the best way to advance the lives of working people and win change. Yet far too few young people are members of a union and 40% of our membership is set to retire in the next 10-15 years.
From sexual harassment to pay, this fringe will focus on the issues that matter to young people, what unions need to do to organise young workers and share stories of young workers winning across our movement.
Chair: Charlie Gray (GMB, TUC General Council Young Workers seat)
Speakers: Quincy Raymond (CWU, Chair TUC Young Workers Forum), Charlie Gough (Usdaw, TUC Young Workers Award nominee), Drew Gilchrist (Chair Unite National Young Members Committee) and Katie Laing (Vice Chair Unite National Young Members Committee).
Venue: Room 4b
20.30 - late
GFTU CONGRESS SOCIAL
Free entry, food and entertainment provided, cash bar.
Sponsored by Morrish Solicitors.
Venue: Love Lane Brewery L1 0AY (9min from conference centre)
Monday morning
08.30 - 09.15
CWU
BREAKFAST RECEPTION AND LAUNCH OF FAITH AND BELIEF NETWORK
This network aims to develop an ongoing dialogue with faith organisations, develop and build relationships, and explore connections on the dignity of labour and trade union rights.
As well as defending workers’ rights through industrial action, trade unions are concerned about long-term solutions to the social and political issues that affect working-class people. Trade unions have stepped up their commitment to support local and community-based organisations. This is a recognition that the well-being of local communities is a matter for trade union members, their member’s families, and neighbours.
Speakers Maria Exall, TUC president, others tbc. Chaired by Kudsia Batool, TUC
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 11a
Monday lunchtime
12.45 - 14.00
Acas
BETTER WORKPLACE RELATIONS IN A VOLATILE ENVIRONMENT
When do you go to Acas for help? When things get tough? When relations have fallen down? When you are balloting for action?
De-escalation before reaching this step is better for members, better for business and better for workplace relations.
In this fringe meeting, Acas chief conciliator Marina Glasgow and Acas council members will provide insights on employer and employee perspectives and share tips for better negotiations based on their insights from some of the most challenging negotiations of our times.
You will get the chance to meet the new Acas dedicated professional team and discuss how you want to keep in touch.
Acas chief conciliator, Marina Glasgow will be ‘in conversation’ with members of the Acas council – Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect and Neil Carberry, chief executive of REC - about how to maintain positive workplace relations, even in a volatile uncertain environment.
Speakers: Marina Glasgow, Acas chief conciliator; Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect; Neil Carberry, chief executive of REC
Chair: Marina Glasgow - Acas chief conciliator
Venue: Room 13
12.45 - 14.00
Britain Israel Trade Union Dialogue (BITUD)
DEMOCRACY UNDER ATTACK IN ISRAEL: A TRADE UNION PERSPECTIVE
This informative fringe will discuss the recent and ongoing upheaval in Israel over the proposed judicial reforms advocated by the current government. The country has seen unprecedented opposition to this with some of biggest demonstrations seen in decades opposing the changes.
We are proud to have as one of our speakers, the director general of the Histadrut, Peter Lerner, and the session will also be a chance to discuss the developments and what the Israeli trade union movement has done to bring the country back together, including calling a General Strike. This and other contemporary issues will be up for discussion.
Speakers: Peter Lerner, director general international department, the Histadrut (Israeli TUC), others tbc
Chair: Jackie Marshall, national executive, POA
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 4b
12.45 - 14.00
CWU, UCU & UNISON joint fringe
GLOBAL LGBT+ RIGHTS: CHALLENGING INTERNATIONAL HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND THE FAR RIGHT
Come along to this meeting to discuss the upsurge in homophobia, biphobia and transphobia worldwide and how this is a key axis in the advancement of the international far right.
We will hear from Levent a UCU activist who was an organiser of the banned Istanbul Pride and James who is the LGBT+ rights officer of Public Services International. We will be joined by Nadia Whittome the Labour MP for Nottingham East and campaigner for equality.
Speakers: James Cavalluzzo, PSI; Levent Piskin, UCU; Nadia Whittome MP
Chair: Kate Hudson, CWU
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 11b
12.45 - 14.00
Morning Star
STRIKE WAVE: BUILDING ON A YEAR OF INDUSTRIAL MILITANCY
Speakers: Morning Star editor Ben Chacko will be joined by a host of general secretaries and activists
Venue: Room 3b
12.45 - 14.00
PCS
DIGITISATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - THE REALITY, THE RISKS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
Digitisation and automated systems are a fact of life in the public sector. Soon to be joined by AI. Of course, the trade union movement has repeatedly found itself in this situation, where technology threatens a mass change in employment through radical changes in work processes. The question posed then, as in now, is who will benefit from those changes.
Join to discuss digitisation in the public sector, its effects and a new guide that equips public sector reps to push back.
Speakers: Christina Colclough, The Why Not Lab; John Moloney, PCS, Sonja Hall, NASUWT
Chair: Kamaljeet Gill, TUC
Venue: Room 10
12.45
RMT/NASUWT
THE WINDRUSH SCANDAL IS FAR FROM OVER - WHAT'S NEXT FOR US?
We aim to talk about how the current immigration system and its racist policies has adversely affected Black communities. Drawing from the motion that has been passed at the TUC Black Workers Conference on Windrush. This outlined an urgent need to investigate the full extent of the damage that the creation of a hostile environment has had on the lives of people who have a legitimate right to live in the UK and access public services. We also aim to explore how the Windrush Compensation Scheme is ‘not fit for purpose’ given that only 1% of appeals are successful. We will be continuing our call for an official independent inquiry into the insidious immigration policies and practices that have impacted adversely and gravely on the Windrush Generation.
Speakers: Mick Lynch, RMT; Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT; Gloria Mills, Unison, TUC RRC; Glenda Ceasar, Windrush campaigner, more tbc
Chair: Mel Mullings, RMT, TUC RRC
Lunch provided
Venue: Room 11c
12.45 - 14.00
Trade Union Co-ordinating Group
WHAT WOULD WORKERS' RIGHTS LOOK LIKE UNDER A FUTURE LABOUR GOVERNMENT?
Labour’s Green Paper titled “A New Deal for Working People” contains measures which, if implemented, would go a long way to improving the living standards of workers and their rights in the workplace. But how many of these pledges will survive into the election manifesto or be carried out by a future Labour government?
What can we expect in the first 100 days of a Labour government in terms of restoring and extending workers’ rights?
Speakers: Justin Madders MP, Shadow Employment Minister; Daniel Kebede, general secretary, NEU; Sarah Woolley, general secretary, BFAWU; Steve Gillan, general secretary, POA; Paul Fleming, general secretary, Equity and Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary NUJ.
Chair: Mick Lynch, general secretary, RMT
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 4a
12.45 - 14.00
ASLEF
INVESTING IN RAIL FOR A GREENER FUTURE
Join ASLEF, the train drivers' union, and representatives from across the UK to talk about investing in rail as part of a greener future.
Rail is key to tackling the climate crisis, lowering emissions and reducing congestion on the roads. We'll hear about projects that have worked, what's in the pipeline and ASLEF's vision for the future of rail.
Chair: Mick Whelan, ASLEF
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 11a
12.45
Show Racism the Red Card and NEU
MIGRATION. MAKING BRITAIN GREAT
Speakers include:
Ken Monkou - Former Southampton, Chelsea and Huddersfield player
Paul Kearns - Director of Operations Show Racism the Red Card
Emma Rose - President of the NEU
Elizabeth Cameron - SRtRC North West Advisory Committee
Venue: Room 12
13.00 - 14.00
Prospect
WORLD CLASS HERITAGE - SECOND CLASS PAY
Heritage workers – in museums, galleries, historic houses and gardens, libraries, archaeological sites, and the natural environment – make an enormous contribution to education, well-being, community cohesion, and the economy. Yet, they are low paid, often in insecure jobs, and without opportunities for career progression.
This fringe, held in one of Liverpool’s world-class museums, is part of Prospect’s ‘Heritage in the North’ tour and our ‘World class heritage-second class pay campaign’
Speakers: Alison McGovern, Shadow Employment Minister (tbc); Heritage sector workers – Dr John James Wilson and Lewis Robinson; Jay McKenna, TUC regional secretary
Lunch provided
Venue: International Slavery Museum – Albert Dock
Monday evening
17.30 - 19.00
Labour Unions
LABOUR'S NEW DEAL FOR WORKING PEOPLE: RALLY AND RECEPTION
Join Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, and Mick Whelan, Chair of Labour Unions, to hear all about Labour’s comprehensive plan to improve the lives of working people by strengthening individual and collective rights.
Speakers: Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party; Mick Whelan, Chair of Labour Union
Chair: Maria Exall, TUC president, and vice chair of Labour Unions
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 12
17.45 - 19.15
London Unemployed Strategies
THE UNEMPLOYED ARE MORE THAN A STATISTIC
London Unemployed Strategies – funded (hosted) by The TUC and Trust For London, was founded in 2012 by Trade Unionists, the unemployed and their supporters. We aim to give a voice to unemployed people to stand up against the injustices of the Social Security system. We support seven Know Your Rights type groups of organised people around London offering Peer to Peer support to each other based on their own real life experiences of claiming benefits. We offer our information and evidence to decision makers in government including shadow cabinet, the media and others, hoping to be part of bringing about real change to the lives of people who claim benefits for whatever reason. We co design projects with Jospeh Rowntree Foundation and others to build strong links with lounder voices than our own for change, and to encourage unity. We need urgent action to lift everyone experiencing poverty out of danger, and to ensure each of us can fulfil our own potential without fear of harm to our mental and physical health, of starvation and homelessness.
Speakers: Maria McCaul, plus volunteers London Unemployed Strategies; Commission on Social Security COSS; Paul Griffin, Unemployed Workers Centres
Chair: Maria McCaul, London Unemployed Strategies
Light bites and drinks
Venue: Room 4b
17.45 - 19.15
War on Want
FASHIONING THE FUTURE WITH JUSTICE
Fashion is big business. Producing an estimated 100 billion items of clothing a year it generates trillions in corporate profits but millions of workers across its vast global supply chain live on poverty wages, working long hours in poor conditions with their labour rights routinely denied. Fashion is increasingly in the spotlight for its role in accelerating the climate crisis. How can unions representing workers in the UK and across borders work together to show solidarity and build workers’ voice and power ? How can we ensure that people are at the heart of truly sustainable fashion?
Our panel will discuss ideas from a new War on Want report and a trade union delegation to Sri Lanka.
Speakers: Paresh Patel, regional secretary, Unite the union East Midlands region
Anton Marcus, joint general secretary, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (Sri Lanka)
Swasthika Arulingam, president, Commercial and Industrial Workers Union (Sri Lanka)
Paddy Lillis, general secretary, Usdaw (invited)
Chair: Ruth Ogier, head of international programmes, War on Want
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 11c
17.45 - 19.15
Cuba Solidarity Campaign
CUBA UNDER BLOCKADE: FIGHTING SANCTIONS AND BUILDING SOLIDARITY
Cuba is facing unprecedented shortages due an inhumane 61 year old US blockade and exacerbated by the world economic crisis. In addition, its inclusion on the US government’s spurious ‘State Sponsors of Terrorism’ has further strangled economic development and access to resources.
Hear how Cubans are resisting despite current difficulties, as well as practical measures that the trade union movement can take to help and demonstrate their solidarity.
Speakers: Bárbara Montalvo Álvarez – Cuban Ambassdor to the UK
Kevin Courtney, chair of Cuba Solidarity Campaign
Simon Dubbins, head of international, Unite the Union
Alex Gordon, president, RMT
Gawain Little, general secretary, GFTU
Plus guests
Chair: Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Venue: Room 11b
17.45 - 19.15
4 Day Week Campaign
SHOULD TRADE UNIONS BE LEADING THE FIGHT FOR A FOUR-DAY WORKING WEEK?
The Trade Union movement won us the weekend a century ago. 100 years later and there are demands for a four-day working week, with no loss of pay.
Has the time now come for Trade Unions to lead the fight for a four-day working week?
Speakers: Jo Grady, UCU general secretary; Martin Smith, retired head of organising at GMB; Nicola Smith, TUC head of employment rights and economics
Chair: Joe Ryle, 4 Day Week Campaign
Venue: Room 4a
Tuesday lunchtime
12.45
Justice for Columbia
THE STRUGGLE FOR WORKER RIGHTS AND PEACE IN COLUMBIA
Trade unions are supporting the efforts of Colombia’s first progressive government to advance peace, human rights and social justice. But conflict is still impacting many communities, with activists, trade unionists and former FARC guerrillas under attack. Meanwhile, ambitious attempts to improve worker rights have been blocked by the political right. Join JFC for an update from the president of Colombia’s equivalent of the TUC, the CUT, and trade unionists who recently visited Colombia.
Speakers: Fabio Arias, president, CUT Colombia; Janet Farrar, past president, UCU; Barbara Plant, president, GMB; Hasan Dodwell, director, JFC
Chair: Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF and chair, JFC
Lunch provided
Venue: Room 11a
12.45 - 14.00
First Actuarial LLP
COLLECTIVE PENSIONS: IMPROVING INCOME AFTER WORK
Many members of trade unions no longer have access to good quality defined benefit pensions. Instead they are auto-enrolled into individual defined contribution schemes often with very low employer contributions which are unlikely to provide dignity in retirement. Legislation now allows a new type of scheme: collective defined contribution. These schemes have the potential to really improve the income workers receive in retirement. This session will look at how these schemes work, where they might be appropriate and how trade unions can get them onto their bargaining agenda.
Speakers: Andy O’Regan, Employers & Strategic Partnerships Director (TPT), John Gray, NEC member (UNISON), Derek Benstead – First Actuarial LLP
Chair: Hilary Salt – First Actuarial LLP
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 13
12.45 - 14.15
Labour Assembly Against Austerity, Claim the Future and Arise - a Festival of Left Ideas
WHAT ARE THE SOCIALIST ECONOMIC POLICIES NEEDED TO END AUSTERITY FOR GOOD?
The global economic crisis and cost-of-living emergency in Britain are deepening. Join the discussion on what the economic alternative is to never-ending cuts, and how we win real change.
Speakers: John McDonnell MP, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary; Sarah Woolley, BFAWU general secretary; Zita Holbourne, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (BARAC.)
Lunch and refreshments provided
Venue: Suite 1, Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn,) 31 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN.
12.45 - 14.00
NAHT and NEU
NOT ENOUGH TEACHERS: HOW TO FIX THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CRISIS IN EDUCATION?
Forty thousand teachers left the profession last year – a staggering nine per cent of the whole teaching workforce. The Government looks likely to miss its recruitment targets for new teachers in secondary schools by 50 per cent. Parents and pupils see first-hand the effect that this has every day across the country. Children are being taught by teachers with no qualification in the subject they are teaching. Join the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the National Education Union (NEU) to discuss how to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in our schools and deliver the best possible education for our children.
Speakers: Paul Whiteman, NAHT; Daniel Kebede, NEU; others tbc
Chair: tbc
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 11b
12.45 - 14.00
PCS Union
SAFE PASSAGE FOR REFUGEES
PCS Union has been at the forefront of campaigning for a safe and legal means for refugees to claim asylum without resort to the dangerous Channel crossing in small boats and free from the exploitation by those that profit from it.
Last year, PCS in partnership with Care4Calais published our ‘Safe Passage for Refugees: humane alternative to the Rwanda policy’ paper, which garnered support across the trade union movement and beyond.
With the Government’s Illegal Migration Act receiving Royal Assent in July this year, the context of our campaign is shifting and adapting. This fringe meeting will address that and discuss how the movement can take forward the campaign for refugees’ rights.
Speakers: Mark Serwotka, general secretary PCS Union; Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais;
Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism national convenor
Chair: Fran Heathcote, National President PCS Union
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 12
12.45 - 14.00
RCM, CSP, NASUWT and FDA
FLEXIBLE WORKING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Flexible working is essential for parents, carers, disabled workers and older workers to get into and progress at work. It is important for everyone’s work life balance yet too often public sector and front-line workers are unable to access it.
Join RCM, CSP, NASUWT, FDA and Gingerbread (Flex For All partner) to talk about how we win flexible working for public sector workers, how to organise flexible working in the public sector, the benefits it can bring for staff recruitment, retention and experiences of work and the impacts of new legislation on flexible working.
Speakers: Alice Sorby, director, employment relations, RCM; Steven Littlewood, national officer, FDA; Alexandra Jones, policy manager, Gingerbread; Sian Caulfield, national officer, CSP; and Jennifer Moses, national official, NASUWT.
Sandwiches and tea/coffee provided
Venue: Room 4b
12.45
Rebuild Britain
THE NHS AT TIPPING POINT - TIME FOR RENEWAL
For decades, workers and their trade unions have been fighting to stop things getting. Now is the time to fight to make things better. The struggle for wages and conditions has always been, at its core, and in its small print, motivated by the desire to save the NHS. The latter must now become the headline, the banner, the large print with improved pay and conditions as two important steps towards it. Nothing less than a change in mind set is required.
The speaker is Allyson Pollock, a public health physician, academic scholar, and professor of public health and was director of the Institute for Health & Society and of the Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science.
Speakers: Professor Allyson Pollock was director of the Institute for Health & Society and of the Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science.
Chair: Doug Nichols, Rebuild Britain
Sandwiches and tea/coffee
Venue: Room 11c
12.45 - 14.00
TUC Digital Lab
CHANGING OUR UNIONS TO GROW AND WIN
If unions are going to turn the tide on cuts, stagnant wages and attacks on our rights, we’ll need new ways to reach, engage and organise workers everywhere. Digital technology can play a big part in this, offering organisers greater speed and impact, and providing today’s members with the ways of working that they increasingly expect from us. But in complex organisations like unions, change isn’t always easy to get right.
At this fringe, we’ll hear stories of innovation from across unions. We’ll discuss the role that digital has to play in building a bigger, stronger and more diverse union movement. And we’ll look at what’s needed if digital change in our unions is to succeed.
Speakers: Kevin Courtney, NEU former joint General Secretary, Helen Kelly, Nautilus International Head of Campaigns, Guste Matuleviciute, RCM Organiser, Northern England, Chris Webb, CWU Head of Communications
Chair: Antonia Bance, TUC head of communications
Lunch provided
Venue: Room 4a
12.45 - 13.50
TUC/REDES
THE RISE OF THE FAR-RIGHT: BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNON RESPONSE
This event will bring together representatives of the REDES anti-fascist network of international union centres. The discussion will focus on how trade unions in different parts of the world are organising to tackle the far right in the workplace and in politics.
Speakers: Salvatore Marra, CGIL Italy; Rodrigo Borras, CTA Argentia; Cristina Faciaben, CCOO Spain; Lewis Norton, Unite the Union
Chair: Kudsia Batool, TUC
Refreshments available
Venue: Room 10
13.00 - 14.00
TUC
VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM
We're excited to announce The International Slavery Museum (ISM) will be welcoming delegates for a special talk to introduce you to the museum. Once the short talk is over, the delegates can explore the galleries before heading back to Congress. Please join us for this event by registering below and we'll email you with further information.
Tuesday evening
17.45 - 19.00
TUC
SUPPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACTION - LESSONS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SOLIDARITY HUB
Join us and reflect on 12 months of industrial action across the movement.
With a wide range of digital and ballot support, fundraising, learning materials and solidarity stories all available, the Solidarity Hub continues to grow, with 26 unions now being supported through our suite of resources.
The Solidarity Hub was designed to help bring together the TUC’s support for unions engaged in campaigns and disputes, and to be more visible and more practically supportive of industrial action. Our unions are key to shaping its development and continued success.
This event will bring together an experienced panel of speakers whose unions have used the project to build successful campaigns and outline how they think the Solidarity Hub could develop in the future.
Speakers: Paul Nowak, general secretary TUC; Charlie Gray, GMB;
Chair: Antonia Bance, TUC
Venue: Room 4a
17.45 - 19.00
#MeTU
AFTER THE KC SEXUAL HARASSMENT INQUIRIES: HOW DO WE GET TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE AND JUSTICE IN THE TRADE UNION AND LABOUR MOVEMENT?
In the last three years, sisters, including those in the growing #MeTU campaign, have had huge victories in exposing the sexual harassment and bullying in our movement. This was reflected in the motions and discussions at Women's TUC 2023 will be again at Congress.
But where are we up to with a strategy to reclaim the movement? How do we get rid of misogyny and inequality and make ourselves a truly fighting fit force for change?
Please join us and be part of the discussion.
Speakers: Sarah Woolley (General Secretary BFAW), Zelda Perkins (Cant Buy My Silence), Fliss Premru (MeTU/TSSA), Jo Grady (UCU) invited and Trade Union officials and leaders invited.
Venue: Room 11c
17.45 - 19.15
TUC
A WORLD TO WIN: LEARNING FROM PROGRESSIVE REFORM AROUND THE WORLD
This panel will showcase speakers from sister union centres around the world where unions and progressive governments are working together to initiate pro-worker reforms.
Speakers: Jesús Gallego, UGT Spain; Cristina Faciaben, CCOO Spain; Steiner Krogstad, LO Norway; Antonio Lisboa, CUT Brazil; Sue Ferns, Prospect
Chair: Kate Bell, TUC
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 10
17.45
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
AGAINST APARTHEID AND OCCUPATION - THE NEXT STEPS IN SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE
Under the most extreme right wing ultranationalist Government in its history, Israel is increasing the brutality of its assaults on Palestinians and repression of their rights. Instead of taking action to hold the Israeli Government to account, the UK government is instead trying to bring in an anti-boycott bill intended to hamper campaigns in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Join us to hear how in this repressive environment we continue to grow the solidarity movement, and what you can do to take action to support the Palestinian struggle for justice and liberation!
All are welcome. Please make sure to visit the PSC stand in the exhibition area.
Manal Shqair, Palestinian New Federation of Trade Unions (PNFTU) & International Outreach Coordinator for the Palestinian Land Defense Coalition (LDC)
Speakers: Mark Serwotka, general secretary PCS; Jo Grady, general secretary UCU;
Eddie Dempsey, assistant general secretary RMT (invited);
Liz Wheatley, chair UNISON NEC international committee;
Simon Dubbins, director of international, Unite the Union;
Ben Jamal, director Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Chair: Louise Regan, vice -chair Palestine Solidarity Campaign & NEU EC
Refreshments provided
Venue: Room 11a
17.45 - 20.00
Politics for the Many, Make Votes Matter and Unlock Democracy with Labour for a New Democracy and Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
HOW PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION CAN UNLOCK ECONOMIC EQUALITY
Economic equality cannot be achieved without political equality.
To achieve that we need a fairer voting system so the voices of working people are heard clearly in Westminster at all times.
A growing number of unions are now backing a proportional voting system (PR) because they can see the current system isn’t working for working people.
PR is about ensuring that workers’ rights and pay improve over time. It’s about reversing the trend where FPTP over-represents governments hostile to working people and, as a consequence, sees their rights and conditions eroded over time.
Join us in a sociable environment to get your questions answered and hear about how PR can ensure trade unionists always have a seat at the table.
Speakers: John McDonnell MP; Dr. Justine Mercer, UCU president;
Maria Iacovou, professor in Quantitative Sociology, University of Cambridge and LCER;
Mark Serwotka, general secretary PCS; Rob Ford, professor of Political Science, University of Manchester
Chair: Lynn Henderson, chair, Politics for the Many
Tapas, wine, beer and soft drinks
Venue: Revolución de Cuba, Unit 17, Albert Dock, L3 4AF (5 min walk from ACC)
18.30
Joint union rally
WHERE NEXT FOR FIGHTING UNIONS?
Where next for fighting unions?
Launch Rally. Organising the Left to protect workers in the workplace.
We need to BUILD together, we need to WORK together, we need to FIGHT together.
Speakers: John McDonnell MP; Daniel Kebede, general secretary NEU; Libby Nolan president Unison; Alex Gordon president RMT; Fran Heathcote president PCS;
Matt Gould, Unite EC; Richard Burgon MP; Holly Turner, NHS Workers Say No.
Chair: Andrea Egan and Sarah Woolley
Venue: The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
20.00 (film starts at 20.30)
TUC & GFTU SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING OF LONDON RECRUITS
1970.
Apartheid South Africa.
The anti-apartheid struggle has a new secret weapon.
Oliver Tambo has a daring plan to infiltrate young, British activists into Apartheid South Africa posing as tourists. Their mission, in the face of brutal lockdown by the racist regime, is to help inspire ordinary South Africans to join a liberation movement that will never give up till freedom is won.
This film tells the story of the young women and men who answered Tambo’s call.
After the screening, there'll be a short Q&A
Venue: Picturehouse at FACT Liverpool 88 Wood Street Liverpool L1 4DQ
