Fringe events - Congress 2021
We have a fantastic range of fringe meetings taking place so you can join the debate around key issues for the trade union movement both in the UK and around the world.
Sign up to your preferred events from our calendar below.
Please note, unless stated otherwise, fringes are organised externally. While the TUC lists these events in good faith, we cannot be held responsible for the content.
Full event details
Monday 13 September |
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New Opportunities for Trade Union EducationMonday 13 September, 12.30pm GFTU New themes, new provides, new learning methods and other opportunities are opening up. This meeting will discuss the ways that trade unions are flourishing. Chair: Doug Nicholls, general secretary of the GFTU Speakers:
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Climate Jobs now: Skills, Training and Union Rights to Meet the Climate EmergencyMonday 13 September, 12.30pm Greener Jobs Alliance This event will discuss the urgent need for a transition out of fossil fuel and other polluting industries and into climate jobs, with a specific focus on the protection of workers’ long-term job security through a rigorous identification of the skills and training required, and the launch of a framework for improving the legal rights of workers as members of trade unions. Speakers will include trade union leaders and local authorities seeking to implement such policies. Chair: Meg Baker, Greener Jobs Alliance chair and director of Education, Students Organising for Sustainability. Speakers:
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Fighting for Justice - Fair Pay for Key WorkersMonday 13 September, 12.30pm Trade Union Coordinating Group Key workers have been lauded as heroes for their contribution during the Covid-19 crisis - but applause won't pay the bills. How do build pressure for action to deliver pay justice? Chair: Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary, NUJ Speakers:
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The Algorithmic Workplace: Collective Power in an Age of Technological ControlMonday 13 September, 12.30pm TUC (in partnership with Prospect and UNISON) At this event, we will explore the importance of collective power in the face of algorithmic control at work. We will give examples of how artificial intelligence is being used to make important decisions about workers and consider some of the implications of this. The central theme for our discussion will be how the collective can counter many of the harms that result from technological control. The collective will be considered in relation to the role of unions, the collective power of data, education, collaboration and the public good. Chair: Andrew Pakes director of Communications and Research, Prospect Speakers:
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Covid-19 and Trade Unions: Lessons from Israel and the UKMonday 13 September, 5.30pm Britain-Israel Trade Union Dialogue (BITUD) This exciting fringe will hear from trade unionists in the UK and Israel about their experiences in dealing with the Covid crisis. The last year has seen unprecedented upheaval for workers across the globe, and ongoing changes to the world of work that the pandemic has accelerated. We will hear from those on the frontline in Israel and the UK about how they managed the crisis for their members, what we need for support in future emergencies and the changing workplace that creates challenges and opportunities for trade unions across the globe. Chair: Michael J. Leahy OBE, chair of BITUD Speakers:
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A Champion of Dignity at Work: The TUC in the Citrine EraMonday 13 September, 5.30pm History and Policy Trade Union and Employment Forum A look-back at TUC and union history of championing dignity at work. Viewed through the lens of an illustrious union leader - Walter (Lord) Citrine, general secretary of the TUC 1926-1946 - and his new biography, Forgotten Statesman, by Dr Jim Moher, a former union official. Citrine's early career as Merseyside District Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, as ETU national officer in Manchester and at the TUC during the General Strike, will be explored. Also, we see how as president of the International Federation of Trade Unions during the 1930s and 1940s, he helped shape the TUC and unions' major contributions at home and abroad (USA and Russia). Speakers:
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Has First Past the Post worked for workers?Monday 13 September, 5.30pm Politics for the Many The powerful levers of the state are being used to undo rights and freedoms, attack communities and lock people out of their democratic rights. Growing mistrust of politics and politicians is opening the door to a resurgent authoritarian right. Empowerment is perhaps the most important thing the trade union movement can offer people. Only by putting democracy at the heart of our agenda can we build an economy and society that works for all – a politics for the many. Chair: Lynn Henderson, PCS Speakers:
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Stop fire-and-rehireMonday 13 September, 5.30pm Trades Union Congress, supported by the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group Employers have increasingly turned to fire-and-rehire as their tactic of choice as they have sought to level down pay and benefits. TUC polling found that one in ten workers have had their terms and conditions downgraded in this way since the start of the pandemic. But despite condemnation of the tactic from across the political spectrum, ministers have yet to act. This fringe will hear about what is going on in workplaces, how unions are fighting back and how the practice could be banned. Chair: Tony Burke, assistant general secretary, Unite Speakers:
Is it Time for a Living Pension?Monday 13 September, 6.30pm TUC Too many workers in the UK are being let down by our pension system. Low levels of contributions into defined contribution schemes, combined with a low state pension, will leave many struggling maintain a decent standard of living in retirement. This event will look at the potential for a Living Pension kitemark – similar to the Living Wage – to encourage more employers to provide workplace pensions that will deliver decent incomes for their workers in retirement. Chair: TBC Speakers:
Solidarity with Cuba - Resisting 60 years of Blockade and InterventionMonday 13 September, 6.45pm Cuba Solidarity Campaign 2022 will mark 60 years of the US blockade against Cuba. Despite campaign promises that he would reverse an additional 243 sanctions introduced by the Trump administration, Biden has intensified the blockade. Shortages in food and medicines have been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and are causing real suffering for the Cuban people. Join trade union leaders from Cuba and Britain to discuss the escalation of the US economic and political warfare against Cuba and the urgent case for aid, solidarity and an international campaign against US intervention now. Chair: Rob Miller, director Cuba Solidarity Campaign Speakers:
More speakers to be announced Make Bosses Pay: Why we need UnionsMonday 13 September, 6.45pm TUC The TUC welcomes Eve Livingston, author of the forthcoming book Make Bosses Pay: Why we need Unions, to a conversation with leading trade union and digital organisers and commentators. Chair: Clare Coatman, TUC senior campaigner Speakers:
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Tuesday 14 September |
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How to talk about the economyTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Centre for Labour and Social Studies Join world-renowned economist Ha-Joon Chang (invited), Survation's Jane Carn (invited), Dora Meade at NEON and Ellie Mae O'Hagan to learn how to talk about the economy with your colleagues and friends in a way that can persuade them to support progressive policies. Chair: Ellie Mae O'Hagan Speakers:
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Solidarity with the Kurdish People and the Need for Peace and DemocracyTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm GFTU The Turkish government is engaged in one of the world’s most anti-democratic actions against elected representatives of the main opposition parties. This is a situation that British trade unionists are increasingly concerned about throughout the world. Chair: Doug Nicholls, general secretary of the GFTU Speakers: Various councillors, mayors and MPs from the HDP Party in Turkey. |
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Trade Unions Resisting State Violence in ColombiaTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Justice for Colombia Despite the optimism generated by the 2016 peace agreement, Colombia remains the world’s deadliest country for trade unionists, with at least 20 killed last year alone, as well as human rights defenders and environmental activists. Meanwhile, trade unions have led massive recent mobilisations in support of economic justice, human rights and peace. In response, the right-wing government has brutally attempted to crush the protests, with security forces killing at least 44 people and committing widespread sexual assaults, torture and forced disappearances. From the frontline of protests, we are joined by Colombian trade union leaders, as well as TUC members who have participated in JFC delegations to witness first-hand the reality facing many Colombians. Chair: TBC Speakers:
Pensions - After Years of Being Ripped Off, Time for a FightbackTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Public and Commercial Services Union Over the past few years, public sector pensions have been hammered by successive Tory governments. Members are paying more, for longer and getting less in return. The time for polite negotiations and petitions is over, the trade unions need to unite and campaign to force a change of direction by government. Come and join the discussion about how we can do this. Chair: Fran Heathcote, PCS president Speakers:
Can Tech Help Boost Worker Power?Tuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Resolution Foundation For many workers the rise of tech has resulted in greater insecurity, increased managerial control and more stressful working conditions. But tech can also be deployed to help boost worker power, increase choices and improve information. What potential is there for unions to develop tech-based approaches? What are the challenges and limitations? The Resolution Foundation is bringing together key union voices to discuss the promise, as well as the pitfalls, of using technology to boost worker power. Chair: Gavin Kelly, chair of the Resolution Foundation Speakers:
COVID Public Inquiry - Delay, Scope and ProcessTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Thompsons Solicitors Given concerns that the government is seeking to delay and avoid proper scrutiny in the most significant public inquiry of a generation into failures around Covid-19, the fringe will bring together Thompsons Solicitors – which has represented workers at many of the UK’s largest public inquiries over its 100-year history – the TUC and a bereaved family representative to discuss what needs to happen and when. Chair: Clare Mellor, CEO, Thompsons Solicitors Speakers:
The Harmful Gambling Workplace Charter- A Trade Union Issue and ResourceTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm Unite Unite has worked with a range of sister unions and the TUC to produce a harmful gambling workplace charter for employers to commit to supporting members affected by gambling-related harms. This event will look at why harmful gambling is a trade union issue, the impact harmful gambling can have, how the charter is relevant and can be used, and the next steps. The fringe will see both the TUC and Unite sign the charter, in addition to other employers. It will also look at the level 2 award in tackling gambling-related harms developed in partnership with Unite and other resources available to trade unions and developed in partnership with the TUC. Chair: Keith Lewis, Unite regional learning manager Speakers:
Garment Workers: Still Paying the Price for the PandemicTuesday 14 September, 12.30pm War on Want It has come as no surprise to trade unions, workers’ and women’s groups representing thousands of garment workers that Covid-19 has highlighted how the global fashion industry’s ‘race to the bottom’ has resulted in poverty pay, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. Brands withdrew orders, bonuses were withheld and the right to organise was challenged in order to keep company profits buoyant. All this at a time when the Bangladesh Accord which has kept thousands of workers safe has been challenged by brands wanting to move away from a legally binding agreement. Chair: Asad Rehman, executive director, War on Want Speakers:
More speakers to be announced. Future-Proof Every Workplace: How Trade Unions can Lead a Just Climate Transition in Every UK IndustryTuesday 14 September, 1.30pm TUC Climate science is clear: every industry and every workplace needs a plan for a zero-carbon future. High-carbon workplaces are at the frontline of this transformation. Done right, climate action can strengthen industries and create more jobs in the UK. But if we don't re-tool our industries, we're at risk of jobs being offshored and communities hollowed out as workplaces shut down. Come to this event to find out how reps from different industries are working to future-proof their jobs. Speakers:
The Future of Work - Mobilising for a New DealTuesday 14 September, 2pm Morning Star How will work change in the future and how do we mobilise workers to win a new deal? Join our panel of trade unionists at Congress 2021. Chair: Bob Oram, chair of the Morning Star management committee
More speakers to be confirmed Palestine: from Apartheid to Freedom, Justice and EqualityTuesday 14 September, 5.30pm PSC - Palestine Solidarity Campaign Last year the TUC passed a historic motion recognising the apartheid nature of the state of Israel. Alongside the recent Human Rights Watch report, and with the recent attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and Jerusalem in May, we need to make sure that we step up our solidarity with Palestine. Join us to hear from specialists and trade unionists, to find out about the current situation in Palestine and what you and your trade union can do to end Israeli apartheid and reach freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinians. Chair: tbc Speakers:
More speakers to be announced. Achieving gender equality in pensionsTuesday 14 September, 5.30pm Prospect The gender pension gap is the percentage difference in pension income for female pensioners compared to male pensioners. We have highlighted the extent of the gender pension gap through publishing annual reports on the rate of the gender pension gap and the immediate need for action to be taken to remedy this. Join our panel to discuss how we can campaign for changes in policy and behaviour to close the gender pension gap and achieve gender pension equality. At the event we will launch our fourth gender pension gap report. Chair: Jack Jones, TUC pensions policy officer Speakers:
Climate and Workers Crisis: Building a Programme to Transition to a Just EconomyTuesday 14 September, 5.30pm Trade Union Co-ordinating Group Ahead of COP26, how do we engage a broad audience of trade union members in shaping an economic alternative to tackle the climate crisis? Chair: Vicky Blake,president, UCU Speakers:
Long Covid and Women’s Health and Safety in the WorkplaceTuesday 14 September, 5.30pm TUC A discussion of the effects of long covid, the disproportionate impact on and the challenges facing women, and how experiences during the pandemic highlight the importance of women’s health and safety as a workplace issue. Chair: Nikki Pound, TUC equality and strategy policy officer Speakers:
After Covid: Rebuilding the Arts and Culture SectorTuesday 14 September, 6.45pm Artists' Union England (AUE) While the difficulties faced by the arts and culture sector and its workforce during the pandemic have been evident, the sector has faced structural problems for many years - including transparency and fairness in funding. This event will focus both on how the sector can recover and how a long-term, sustainable future for the arts can be secured to the benefit of society as a whole. The discussion document 'Making Culture Ours' will be introduced, outlining some possible steps towards this. Chair: Zita Holbourne Speakers: Mike Wayne, UCU, others to be confirmed Why we Need 'The Right To Food'Tuesday 14 September, 6.45pm BFAWU Ian Byrne MP launched the Right to Food Campaign in November 2020 with the Fans Supporting Foodbanks national network. It has gone from strength to strength with many cities declaring themselves Right to Food Cities across the country. The BFAWU joined the campaign and surveyed their members around their ability to feed themselves during the pandemic, producing a report with some shocking findings showing there are massive issues with food insecurity across the food industry. Join the fringe for an update on the campaign and next steps after the release of the National Food Strategy. Chair: Ian Hodson Speakers:
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