Fringe events - Congress 2026
PLEASE NOTE: The fringes marked * are not being held in the Brighton Centre. The TUC is not responsible for the organisers’ arrangements.
Sunday evening
18:30 (or end of Congress session)
Delivering the new deal for workers in full
Institute of Employment Rights and Campaign for Trade Union Freedom
The Employment Rights Act 2025 was an important first step in improving workers’ rights but falls short of the transformational change promised in Labour’s New Deal for Working People. A second Employment Rights Bill is needed to finish the job. Join us to hear our leading legal experts and trade-unionists argue the case for further legislation to deliver the promises made on ending fire and rehire, creating a single status of workers, delivering sectoral collective bargaining and removing the restrictions on the right to strike.
Speakers:
- Fran Heathcote, PCS;
- Joanne Thomas, Usdaw;
- Neil Todd, Thompsons Solicitors;
- Steve Gillan, POA;
- Lord John Hendy KC, IER & CTUF;
- Professor Keith Ewing, IER & CTUF
Chaired by Sarah Woolley, BFAWU and CTUF
Venue: Meeting Room 1A, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
18:30 (or end of Congress session)
The Climate Crisis is Here
Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group
In the trade union year of climate action, after a summer of heatwaves, drought and wildfires, the reality of the climate crisis is upon us. Join us to hear from trade unionists whose members are on the front line dealing with the impacts of climate breakdown.
To help understand the context of what we are facing, we’ll show brief highlights from climate experts at the National Emergency Briefing. Then discussion will focus on how trade unions can lead the way in demanding action which meets the true scale of the crisis and centres the needs of workers and communities. This means decent unionised jobs, comfortable and affordable low carbon homes, high-quality public transport and better health.
Speakers:
- Steve Wright, FBU;
- Liz Wheatley, UNISON;
- Asad Rehman, Friends of the Earth
Chaired by Suzanne Jeffery, CACCTU
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre
20:00 (until late)
GFTU Social: Fish and chips on the pier*
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU)
Join GFTU for our Sunday social, where you'll have the chance to catch up with comrades over some of the best fish and chips in town at Horatio's on Brighton Pier. After lunch, enjoy a film on the beautiful outdoor big screen, making the most of Brighton's iconic seafront setting.
Chaired by Gawain Little, GFTU.
Venue: Horatio's, Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW
Monday lunchtime
12:45
After the EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations: What comes next?*
TUC LGBT+ Committee, UNISON, NHBCSA, FBU, CWU, NASUWT and Unite
An ‘in conversation’ fringe event with Nadia Whittome MP, trans trade unionists, and workers delivering public functions, exploring the EHRC Code of Practice, its implications and the next steps for the movement.
Speakers:
Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East
Venue: Regent Room, The Grand Hotel, Brighton (refreshments provided)
12:45
AI at Work: How AI is affecting workers and how they are responding
Labour Research Department (LRD)
Building on LRD’s AI at Work guide published this year, this event draws together experiences of how varied AI technologies have affected different workplaces, and how workers have been responding. Our invited speakers will bring perspectives from the technology, road transport and logistics, and higher education sectors (and potentially others), discussing AI in broad but also practical terms. Join us to find out how AI: is being used to change work across different sectors affects job security, workload, casualisation, surveillance, the value and quality of work and working people more broadly. Examples of workplace organising in relation to AI and workers’ data rights in different sectors: discussing successes, obstacles and next steps.
Speakers:
John Chadfield, CWU;
Mark Feek, Unite;
Andres Saenz de Cecilia, UCU;
Jenny Doussan, UCU;
Jassa Ahluwalia, Equity
Chaired by Dimitra Kotouza, LRD
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Challenging the Rise of the Populist Right – The impact of anti-immigration sentiment
Show Racism the Red Card
Show Racism the Red Card will host a significant fringe meeting to explore the impact of anti-immigration sentiment on minoritised communities across the UK, and provide details of a programme it is undertaking with another trade union partner to challenge the rise of the populist right through developing the skills and confidence at branch level to have challenging conversations that present an alternative perspective to those vulnerable to association with populist right attitudes.
Speakers:
Paul Hill, Show Racism the Red Card;
Nazek Ramandan, Migrant Voice;
Daniel Kebede, NEU
Chaired by Stuart Richards, TUC
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre (refreshments tbc)
12:45
Freedom for Palestine – Time for boycott, divestment and sanctions
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has not ended. Neither has its illegal occupation or brutal system of apartheid. As Palestinians continue to face violence and oppression, the British government and major business corporations remain deeply complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of international law.
Join us to hear more about the current situation, about current PSC campaigns and trade union solidarity in the UK, how you can step up your BDS actions in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
All are welcome.
Speakers:
Omar Barghouti, BDS movement for Palestinian rights;
Andrea Egan, UNISON;
Daniel Kebede, NEU;
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Jo Grady, UCU;
Zita Holbourne FRSA, Artists’ Union England;
Tam McFarlane, FBU;
Peter Leary, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Venue: Meeting Room 1A, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
How Do We Ensure Our Unions are Truly Safe Places for Members and Staff?
Unions 21
Many independent and KC-led investigations for unions have set out in detail what went wrong, and where. In response, unions have done serious work. The harder question is what we do before an investigation is needed.
Join us to work through what proactive looks like in practice: what governance can catch early, what culture can’t be delegated to policy and what unions can realistically do to build for tomorrow.
Speakers:
Niamh Sweeney, Unions 21;
Simon Weller, ASLEF;
Rob Kesall, NAHT
Chaired by Becky Wright, Unions 21
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Reindustrialise Britain – A strategy for wealth creation
Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
Ending 40 years of neoliberalism will require a costed, consistent, long term alternative economic strategy that will put production and wealth creation at its core.
The dominant forces of privatisation, marketisation, financial speculation and unregulated flights of capital out of the country can be reversed and the seemingly mighty powers of the bond markets and City of London, controlled.
A new book by Costas Lapavitsas, Larry Elliott and Doug Nicholls sets out for the first time a comprehensive plan that can galvanise labour movement and government support to rebuild our productive and democratically controlled economy, making full use of an active state.
The main themes of this plan will be discussed at this meeting.
Speakers:
Eddie Dempsey, RMT;
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Prof Costas Lapavitsas, SOAS;
Dave Ward, CWU
Chaired by Larry Elliott, former economics editor of The Guardian
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Talking to Members about Reform UK: Countering the arguments
Trade Union Coordinating Group
Nigel Farage’s far-right Reform UK have been making a deliberate pitch to be the ‘party of working people’, despite their hostile agenda towards stronger employment rights and protections.
Yet the volume of their electoral support in the May local elections can’t be ignored – and to an extent will have come, at least in part, from a section of people in our own ranks and/or their friends and neighbours.
How do we persuade members who are thinking of backing Reform UK that they have no answers to the basic problems we face in our workplace and wider communities?
Beyond simply denouncing their racist and hate-filled rhetoric, how do we go about winning support for a concrete alternative, to win back those who might otherwise look to the far right in desperation?
Speakers:
Eddie Dempsey, RMT;
Steve Gillan, POA;
Matt Wrack, NASUWT;
Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Chaired by Ian Lawrence, Napo
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
The Orgreave Inquiry – Uncovering the truth
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Thompsons Solicitors
After decades of campaigning, a statutory public inquiry into the events at Orgreave on 18 June 1984 has finally been launched. What is the Inquiry and how will it work? How can those who were impacted have their voices heard? Finally, and fundamentally, will it uncover the truth?
Speakers:
Chris Kitchen, NUM;
Chris Peace, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign;
Fiona Murphy KC, Doughty Street Chambers;
Harry Thompson, Thompsons Solicitors
Chaired by Dave Pike, TUC
Venue: Skyline, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
They Shall Not Pass – Defeating the far right, 1936–2026
Morning Star
Ninety years ago, the East End of London united to stop Moseley and the Blackshirts at the Battle of Cable Street. What can we learn from this victory, and how do we build a united front and defeat today’s far right?
Join Ben Chacko and a host of general secretaries and anti-fascist leaders at this not-to-be-missed fringe.
Speakers:
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Sharon Graham/ Onay Kasab, Unite;
Alex Gordon, Cable Street 90;
Eddie Dempsey, RMT
Chaired by Ben Chacko, Morning Star
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
Monday evening
17:45
Delivering the New Deal for Working People and Celebrating the Labour-Union Link (reception)
Labour Unions
Join Joanne Thomas (chair of Labour Unions) and special guests to celebrate the Labour-union link and build the campaign to deliver the New Deal for Working People in full. An opportunity for union delegates and allies to come together and reaffirm the importance of a Labour government delivering for working people – strengthening their rights, their pay and their voice at work. Invite only.
Speakers:
Chaired by Joanne Thomas, Labour Unions
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Electronic Balloting: What a better platform and higher turnout actually look like
Lumi Global
Electronic balloting is here for statutory union ballots, but simply moving an old process online will not fix falling participation.
Join Lumi Global for a straight-talking session on how unions can use electronic balloting to cut costs, improve service and increase voter turnout without compromising trust, security or independence.
Drawing on 20 years of trade union e-balloting experience, hear how Danish unions increased turnout from 22 to 58 per cent, and learn which technologies, communication strategies and operational choices worked. We will challenge the status quo, expose avoidable pitfalls and show what unions should expect from a provider. Better union voting is possible. The question is whether unions demand better.
Speakers:
Jacob Gyldenkærne, Lumi Global;
Ben Riley, Lumi Global
Chaired by Ben Riley, Lumi Global
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
End the Siege on Cuba
Cuba Solidarity Campaign
Donald Trump has laid siege to Cuba, imposing an oil blockade and unleashing an unprecedented wave of sanctions. The aim is clear – to cut off Cuba’s fuel supplies, deepen shortages and force economic collapse. Not content with causing a humanitarian crisis – with shortages of fuel, food, medicines now widespread – the US has made numerous threats of military intervention.
Come along to this hear a first-hand report from the general secretary of the CTC (Cuba’s TUC), how the British trade union movement has responded to the crisis and what you can do to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people.
Speakers:
Osnay Miguel Colina CTC;
Andrea Egan, UNISON;
Eddie Dempsey, RMT;
Mariela Kohon, TUC;
Steve Gillan, POA;
Sarah Kilpatrick, NEU;
Tam McFarlane, FBU;
Clare Mellor, Thompsons Solicitors
Chaired by Kevin Courtney, Cuba Solidarity Campaign
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre
17:45
Ireland 2030 – Let the people vote*
Labour Movement for Irish Unity
The Good Friday Agreement allows for Irish self-determination. Opinion polls in both parts of Ireland now report majorities for Irish reunification. Political, community and civic organisations in Ireland have called for a vote by 2030. Irish community organisations in Britain endorse this call.
Speakers
John McDonnell, MP;
Pat Cullen, MP;
Geoff Bell, LMIU;
Other trade unionists to be confirmed
Chaired by Dorothy Macedo, LMIU
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF
17:45
It’s All About the Member
Broadstone
Pensions can be a mystery. They are undergoing unprecedented change, with DB schemes increasingly transferring risk to insurers, while many people remain underprepared for retirement and are not saving enough.
So what can be done? Are current reforms genuinely focused on improving outcomes for the people pensions are meant to serve, or are they driven primarily by financial considerations?
Join us as we explore whether the direction of travel across the pensions industry is aligned with members’ needs, and what more can be done to ensure savers remain at the heart of pension policy and practice. We’ll discuss adequacy, value for money, trustee decision-making, consolidation, and whether today’s reforms will deliver better retirement outcomes tomorrow.
Speakers
Lord Davies of Brixton;
Jack Jones, TUC;
Nick Walker Usdaw;
Jamie Hanley, Labaton Keller Sucharow
Chaired by Catherine Howarth, ShareAction
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Negotiating AI at Work
ESRC Centre for the Digital Futures at Work (Digit)
How are unions practically negotiating AI and algorithmic management at work?
This session moves beyond theory into what negotiating AI actually looks like in practice. Panellists will share practical insights on:
- embedding worker voice and statutory bargaining rights from the outset: why targeted tools succeed where blanket rollouts fail
- how the GMB, Ver.di, FNV and Handels bargained the algorithm to secure fairer conditions
- how algorithmic warehouse management is driving injury and turnover rates above 100 per cent across Germany, Belgium, the UK and Poland
- PCS’s proposed Cabinet Office agreement, covering union consultation, job protection and productivity gains shared through pay or shorter hours
We ask what unions need to deploy AI in a safe, beneficial and constructive way at work.
Speakers:
Prof. Mark Stuart, Leeds University Business School;
Prof. Charles Umney, Leeds University Business School;
John Moloney, PCS;
Kate Jones, UNISON;
Dr. Rachel Verdin, University of Sussex;
Adam Cantwell-Corn, TUC
Chaired by Prof. Mark Stuart, Leeds University Business School
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Wages Not Weapons: Invest in people for real security
University and College Union (UCU)
Millions of workers and their families are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. Public services are stretched to breaking point, wages are stagnating, and education is chronically underfunded.
Diverting precious resources into military expansion risks deepening inequality, limiting opportunity, and undermining the future of post-16 education.
There can be no meaningful national security without strong public services, secure jobs, safe homes to live in and a social infrastructure that enables people to thrive.
Join our exciting panel of speakers to discuss how investing in people will provide real security for the UK.
Speakers
Jo Grady, UCU;
Asad Rehman, Friends of the Earth;
Daniel Kebebe, NEU;
Eddie Dempsey, RMT;
more speakers tbc
Chaired by Jo Grady, UCU
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre,(refreshments provided)
17:45
Workers Against the Far Right: Stopping Reform, Restore and Robinson
Stand Up to Racism
The far right is a growing threat, from Reform UK and Restore Britain at the ballot box to fascist Tommy Robinson on the streets.
Millions of working people have faced years of the cost of living crisis and feel let down by mainstream politics.
Reform and the far right have grown from despair and the scapegoating of refugees and migrants. They are using racism to divide communities and workplaces. If they succeed it will weaken our ability to resist.
The trade union movement is central to the task of exposing the far right and building unity.
Speakers:
Daniel Kebede, NEU;
Steve Wright, FBU;
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Sarah Wooley, BFAWU;
Maryam Eslamdoust, TSSA;
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up to Racism
Chaired by Kudsia Batool, TUC
Venue: Skyline, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
The Green Workers’ Charter 2026: real hope, real change at work
Green Party of England and Wales
Launched this year, the Green Party’s Workers’ Charter sets out campaigning demands backed by the party’s leaders, MPs, peers and elected representatives at every level. They include a £15 minimum wage for all workers regardless of age by April 2027, public sector pay rises that at least match inflation, a 1:10 pay ratio in every organisation, new employment law to protect workers from AI harms, and the repeal of every anti-union and anti-strike law brought in since 1979.
Come hear how Greens are campaigning for the charter now – in parliament, in councils and on picket lines – and where we take it next.
Speakers
Rachel Millward, Green Party of England and Wales;
Sarah Wooley, BFAWU;
Meg de Meo, Unite
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
Tuesday lunchtime
12:45
Blueprint for a National Housing Union
SHAC Housing Campaign Group
Britain is gripped by a deep housing emergency fuelled by landlord dominance and a lack of access to justice for tenants and residents.
SHAC and campaigners are developing a trade union-style, national Housing Union to challenge the mighty power of landlords which will support renters, shared owners, and leaseholders in all types of housing.
We’re seeking the union movement’s support to turn our vision into reality.
Join our guest speakers to hear about the housing activism within their unions and discuss the formation of a new union for tenants and residents.
Speakers:
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Adam Taylor, Unite
Chaired by Suzanne Muna, SHAC
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Building Anti-Racist Workplaces: The union agenda
TUC Race Relations Committee
As we enter the fourth year since the publication of the landmark Anti-Racism Taskforce (ARTF) manifesto, this fringe event will reflect on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the role trade unions continue to play in advancing racial equality.
The session will explore key achievements delivered through the ARTF agenda, how unions are Identifying where further action and accountability are needed.
Panellists will also share how unions are embedding anti-racist practices within their own structures through initiatives and campaigns that are improving outcomes for Black members.
Speakers tbc
Chaired by Farzana Jumma, TUC Race Relations Committee
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
For an Irreversible Shift in the Balance of Power and Wealth*
Arise – A festival of left ideas and the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU)
This is a fork-in-the road moment for Britain, with Andy Burnham entering Number 10 on the promise of restoring hope. Come and discuss the alternative economics and politics needed for real change – irreversibly shifting the balance of power and wealth in favour of working people.
This is the alternative to never-ending cuts – including extending public ownership and ending the privatisation rip-off; a further expansion of workers’ rights to shift power in the economy; a green revolution and taxing wealth to pay for high-quality, public services for all.
This annual event on the left’s alternative economic strategy has become a must-attend part of the TUC fringe – see you there!
Speakers:
John McDonnell MP;
Apsana Begum MP;
Matt Wrack, NASUWT;
Gawain Little, GFTU;
Zita Holbourne, BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts);
Andrew Fisher, Ipaper;
Costas Lapavitsas, SOAS
Chaired by Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Venue: The Pavilion, The Grand Hotel, Brighton BN1 2FW (refreshments provided)
12:45
Danger in Colombia: Workers’ rights and peace under threat
Justice for Colombia (JFC)
A far-right government has taken power, vowing to dismantle four years of progressive gains under Gustavo Petro. Colombian unions are calling it a ‘neoliberal and fascist’ regime, with violent rhetoric from far-right politicians already fuelling fears of widespread attacks on trade unionists and other activists. Now, workers and social movements are mobilising to defend their hard-won victories. In these worrying times, we must stand with Colombia’s CUT federation and those on the frontline of peace and human rights. Join our panel to hear what’s at stake and show your support for our Colombian sisters and brothers.
Speakers:
Carlos Rivas, CUT;
Kate Bell, TUC;
Sonya Davis, GMB;
Steve Gillan, POA;
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Victor Figueroa, JFC
Chaired by Gerard Stilliard, Thompsons Solicitors
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
From Farm to Fork – Winning for workers in the global food supply chain
War on Want
Workers on Morocco’s giant agri-business export farms work long, sweltering days, often in dangerous conditions to produce the tomatoes and berries sold on UK supermarket shelves. At this end of the supply chain, food and retail workers are pushed to do more for less while increasing numbers struggle to afford their own groceries. The Souss-Massa branch of the agricultural workers’ union have organised on Moroccan megafarms in the face of severe repression and precarity. Representatives from the union will speak alongside trade union leaders from the UK, exploring how to connect workers in the food sector with the campaign here for the right to food and the struggles of agricultural workers in export-oriented industries in the Global South.
Speakers:
Sarah Woolley, BFAWU;
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw;
Steve Leniec, Unite;
Mouloud Hamzaoui;
Mohamed Toch;
Ismail Houssaini, translator
Chaired by Liz Mckean, War on Want
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Reps Reflect: From member to rep
TUC
Join fellow reps for a roundtable on the journey from member to rep. The moments that made it worth it, the challenges nobody warns you about, and the lessons that stuck.
Your experience is valuable. Everything we hear will directly shape how we support and grow our rep network, helping us reach and welcome a wider range of members.
Your story could be the reason someone else steps up.
Come to share, come to learn, or come to just listen in. Grab a seat, bring your questions, connect and reflect with reps at TUC Congress.
Speakers tbc
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre
12:45
Silicosis, Engineered Stone and the Fight for Safer Workplaces
Thompsons Solicitors and Unite
Join Daniel Poet (Thompsons Solicitors), Jason Poulter (Unite) and Tina Conroy (PraGAM) for a fringe event exploring the growing silicosis crisis linked to engineered stone.
Daniel will examine recent developments, including the APPG meeting in November 2025, updated HSE guidance and enforcement activities and the forthcoming RIDDOR consultation, considering the implications for regulation, enforcement and compensation claims.
Jason will discuss Unite’s campaign to ban engineered stone and the development of a national silicosis register.
Tina will share insights from her occupational hygiene work and site inspections, highlighting the realities of silica exposure, workplace controls and worker protection.
A timely discussion on one of the most significant occupational health challenges facing UK workers.
Speakers:
Daniel Poet, Thompsons Solicitors;
Jason Poulter, Unite;
Tina Conroy, Pragma and Associates
Chaired by Huma Haq, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Time for Toilets: Basic dignity for transport workers
ASLEF
Access to a toilet at work: it’s basic human dignity. But workers on rail and road often can’t access safe, clean and accessible toilets. Many aren’t able to use a toilet during their shift at all.
Train drivers, bus drivers, HGV drivers and trackside workers from different unions reveal the shocking truth about toilets – and set out how we can win toilet access for every worker.
Speakers:
ASLEF;
RMT;
Usdaw;
Unite
Chaired by Dave Calfe, ASLEF
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Together Alliance – Uniting the movement against the far right
Together Alliance – meeting supported by NEU, UNISON, FBU, PCS, UCU and BFAWU
On 28 March, half a million people marched in London together against the far right. This showed that the politics of hate do not speak for all of us.
But as the far right grows louder and gets more organised, now is not the time for complacency.
This fringe meeting will discuss the next steps for the Together Alliance and how we build unity across the movement to stop the far right.
Speakers:
Daniel Kebede, NEU;
other speakers tbc
Venue: Skyline, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Wave or Whimper? When will Labour deliver on insourcing?
Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
Hosted by PCS, this fringe meeting will focus on the ongoing national insourcing campaign and the urgent need for government action to deliver Labour’s commitment to the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation. While a major victory has recently been secured for Whitehall facilities management workers, thousands of staff across government remain employed by private contractors. This event will explore why bringing services back in-house improves accountability, job security, pay and service quality, and why Labour must go further by ending outsourced contracts across government, including pensions and payroll services currently run by Capita.
Join the discussion on the next steps in winning secure, directly employed public sector jobs.
Speakers:
Fran Heathcote PCS;
Andy McDonald MP;
others tbc
Chaired by Bev Laidlaw, PCS
Venue: Meeting Room 1a, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
Tuesday evening
17:45
How Do We Build Class Solidarity to Fight Fascism Online and in the Age of Creators?
TUC and What is Left
Join us for the first ever live podcast recording at TUC Congress!
Podcasters What is Left (or WTF is left) have taken social media by storm.
In a live recording of their hit show, we will look at how we can re-build solidarity within a fragmented world.
Speakers:
Freddie Feltham, What is Left;
Paul Nowak and Dunya Kamal, TUC;
Louisa Munch (tbc)
Chaired by Jovan Owusu- Nepaul, What is Left
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre
17:45
How to Fund a Brighter Future
UCU
Cuts, redundancies and closures are pushing post-16 education into a generational crisis.
Across the UK, universities shed over 13,000 jobs in 2024–25, with nearly 30,000 jobs lost in three years.
Behind every statistic are skilled educators, researchers, and support staff being forced out of the sector, and students facing fewer choices and diminished prospects.
Across the public sector, the effects of austerity can still be felt, with hollowed out public services, an NHS on the brink of full-scale privatisation and council house building at an all-time low.
Good, well-funded public services can help Britain face the challenges of the world that’s coming – a world of climate change, AI, an ageing population – and give hope of a fulfilling future to our children.
Listen to our panel of experts on how a brighter future is possible and what government needs to do to pay for it.
Speakers
Jo Grady, UCU;
Faiza Shaheen, Tax Justice UK (invited);
John Jackson, Better Compass;
David Edwards, Education International;
and others
Chaired by Jo Grady, UCU
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Is CDC the Future of UK Pensions?
TPT Retirement Solutions (TPT)
Could a new type of pension deliver better retirement outcomes and help transform retirement for millions of UK workers? As concerns about retirement adequacy continue to grow, Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pensions are offering a new approach that aims to provide an income for life while harnessing the benefits of collective investment.
Join TPT, UNISON and Prospect for a lively discussion on how CDC works, the role of employers and trade unions, and whether this new model could become a major part of the future workplace pension landscape. Hear how CDC could help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing today’s pension system and improve retirement outcomes for workers across the UK.
Speakers:
Paul Eagles, TPT Retirement Solutions;
Andrew Dobbie, UNISON;
Neil Walsh, Prospect
Chaired by Paul Eagles, TPT
Venue: Skyline, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Reindustrialising the UK – How do we ensure good jobs everywhere?
Prospect trade union and the Chemical Industries Association
The new prime minister has stated that he wishes to reindustrialise the UK, acknowledging the importance of people and place.
However, progress is being held back by high energy prices, skills shortages, and lack of clear direction for all sectors – including foundation industries.
This meeting will discuss what it takes to ensure the creation and maintenance of good jobs everywhere.
Speakers:
A government minister; Yuan Yang MP;
Steve Elliot, Chemical Industries Association;
Mike Clancy, Prospect
Venue: Meeting Room 1AB, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Skills 2050 – Building a vision for a skills system that supports the workforce of today and tomorrow
TUC Skills Project 2050
As the economy undergoes profound change driven by new technologies, the transition to net zero, and shifting labour markets, working people must not be left to navigate these challenges alone. A fair transition and a sustainable economy require a skills system that supports workers at every stage of their working lives and is rooted in fairness, collective voice, and shared responsibility.
This fringe will explore our TUC Skills 2050 Project – an opportunity to rethink how a worker centred lifelong skills system, supporting secure good jobs, progression and shared prosperity for the workforce of today and tomorrow can be delivered in practice.
Speakers tbc
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Ukraine Under Attack*
Ukraine Solidarity Campaign
Eyewitness reports and the need for continued solidarity.
Speakers
Ivanna Khrapko, State Employees Union, Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine;
Paul Nowak, TUC;
Gary Smith, GMB;
Dave Ward, CWU
Chaired by Beverley Laidlaw, PCS
Venue: Harbour Hotel, 64 King’s Road, Brighton BN1 1NA
17:45
When Hate Comes to Work: How unions can stop misogyny, misogynoir and the far right at work
TUC Women’s Committee
Misogyny doesn’t stay online. It follows women into our workplaces.
The rise of the far right is fuelling misogyny and racism that affect women at work every day, particularly Black women, who experience the sharpest edge of misogyny and racism.
So, what should unions do about it?
Hosted by the TUC Women’s Committee, join this discussion bringing together politicians, researchers and unions to explore how misogyny and misogynoir are changing our workplaces, why this matters for unions, and what practical action can make a difference.
The event will launch new work by the TUC to help reps and unions recognise, respond to and prevent misogyny and misogynoir at work. The fringe is sponsored by POA, UNISON and NASUWT.
Speakers tbc
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
19:00
Winning a Socialist Future – Ending cuts, racism and war*
Joint union fringe
We face a critical juncture for the future of our country. A drive to war that means job cuts, pay cuts and the rise of the far right, or an alternative economic strategy built on reindustrialisation, redistribution and strong unions. Our speakers explore the way forward.
Speakers:
Richard Burgon MP;
Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, Cuban ambassador;
Asad Rehman, Together Alliance;
Fran Heathcote, PCS;
Alex Gordon, Stop the War Coalition;
Omar Barghouti Palestinian BDS Committee (tbc);
plus speakers from UNISON, Unite, RMT and NEU
Chaired by Lucy Coleman, NEU
Venue: Wagner Hall (behind the conference centre), Regency Road, Brighton BN1 2RU
