Congress 2010 Fringe Guide

Congress 2010 Fringe Guide

The following are the fringe meetings at Congress 2010 that the TUC knew details of by the time the Congress Guide went to press.

SUNDAY LUNCHTIME

13.00 -14.30
Pre-Congress Pensioners Rally
An event to show your support for today's pensioners and those of tomorrow
Speakers: Kay Carberry, TUC Assistant General Secretary; Frank Cooper, President, National Pensioners Convention
Chair: Dougie Rooney, TUC Congress President
Venue: Central Marquee, Manchester Central

SUNDAY EVENING

17.00
ASLEF's Newton Heath Branch
Rail Against the Cuts
Invited speakers include Tony Lloyd MP; Alan Donnelly, President, ASLEF; Hugh Lanning, Deputy General Secretary, PCS
Venue: Vine Inn, 42-46 Kennedy Street, Manchester M2 4BQ
Refreshments provided

18.00
TUC
Celebrating Women at Congress 2010
Networking event for women delegates and observers. By invitation only.
Speakers: Baroness Joyce Gould; Sarah Veale, TUC Equality and Employment Rights Department; Victoria Phillips
Chair: Patricia Stuart
Venue: Central 5 & 6, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

18.00
The Campaign for Labour Party Democracy
The Unions and the Labour Party
To discuss how to increase the role and influence of the unions within the Party and to ensure we have a Labour government that properly serves our movement.
Speakers: Richard Ascough, GMB; Mohammad Azam, former member Labour Party NEC; Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU; Diana Holland, Labour Party NEC; Unite; Michael Meacher MP; Cat Smith, Compass Youth; Barbara White, Musicians' Union
Chair: Peter Willsman, Secretary, Campaign for Labour Party Democracy and Labour Party NEC
Venue: Jurys Inn Hotel, 56 Great Bridgwater Street

MONDAY LUNCHTIME

12.45
ACAS/TUC
Mediation - Friend or Foe?
How mediation can help unions and employers find solutions to employment relations problems
Speakers: Sarah Veale, Head, TUC Equality and Employment Rights Department; Keith Mizon, Director, Individual Dispute Resolution Policy and Performance, ACAS; Karl Cockerill, UNISON lead steward and Mediation Coordinator, East Lancashire Primary Care Trust
Chair: Ed Sweeney, Chair, ACAS
Venue: Central 3, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
Unions 21
What Workers Think - Publication Launch and Discussion
What are the workplace problems people care about? What role do they think unions should play? Unions 21's YouGov survey results will be revealed, with analysis of the answers to these and other key questions.
Speakers: Paul Moloney Vice Chair, Unions21; Lesley Mercer, Director of Employment Relations and Union Services, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; John Smith, General Secretary, Musicians' Union; Chris Keates, General Secretary, NASUWT; Tim Horton, Research Director, Fabian Society
Venue: Central 7, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
Electoral Reform Society
Electoral Reform - Which Way Forward for the Unions?
Debating the stance trade unionists should take in the forthcoming referendum
Speakers: Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Sam Tarry Chair, Young Labour [tbc]
Chair: tbc
Venue: Conference Hall, Manchester Town Hall
Refreshments provided

12.45
Labour Representation Committee
Keep Trade Unions in Politics!
With an unprecedented attack on public services, the welfare state, trade union rights and the working class as a whole, there has never been a more important time for trade unions to be engaged in politics. The right of trade unions to intervene in politics is under threat - a real threat to our right to representation through affiliation to a political party. We must defend the right of trade unions to get involved in politics.
Speakers: Maria Exall, CWU Executive / LRC vice chair; Joe Marino, General Secretary, BFAWU; John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair; John McInally, Vice President, PCS
Chair: Marsha Jane Thompson, UNISON United Left
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester
Drinks and lunch provided

12.45
Defending Trade Unions
Liaison Committee for the Defence of Trade Unions
Speakers: Les Baylis, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Christine Blower, General Secretary, NUT; Frances O'Grady, Deputy General Secretary, TUC; Keith Norman, General Secretary, ASLEF; Alan Ritchie, General Secretary, UCATT
Chair: John Aitkin, Chair, Liaison Committee for the Defence of Trade Unions
Venue: The Marquee, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45-14.15
NASUWT
Championing Equality under the Coalition Government
With a raft of major equalities legislation on the statute books, government has a range of statutory responsibilities to ensure that policies and programmes are equality-proofed and to champion equality and fair treatment for workers and the public. But, following the general election, is the clock now being turned back on equalities?
Speakers: Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary, NASUWT; speakers from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (tbc) and the Fawcett Society (tbc); Shadow Equalities Minister (tbc)
Chair: Chris Lines, President, NASUWT
Venue: Derby/Chester Suite, Midland Hotel
Light refreshments provided

12.45-14.00
National Pensioners Convention
Protecting Our Welfare State and Public Services
The new government is planning massive cuts in spending that will seriously damage our welfare state and public services, but by uniting workers, pensioners, students and community groups we can defend them.
Speakers: Dot Gibson, General Secretary, NPC; Len McCluskey, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS
Chair: Frank Cooper, President, NPC
Venue: Central 8, Manchester Central
Lunch sponsored by Raleys Solicitors

12.45
TUC
Asbestos - Public Enemy Number 1
Despite asbestos being a one-hundred-year problem for workers it remains the biggest cause of work-related death in the UK. Each year there are 4,000 new asbestos victims, half of which contract the fatal cancer, mesothelioma. Increasingly it is workers from the public sector who are the new asbestos victims and the scale of injury and illness is set to continue for years to come. The meeting will highlight key campaign issues for trade unions and asbestos campaigners and will show what can be done to support victims of asbestos exposure.
Speakers: Micky Blench (GMB), chair of the Northern TUC Asbestos Support Group; Hugh Robertson, TUC Health and Safety Officer; Tony Whitston, chair of the National Forum for Asbestos Support Groups; Ian McFall, Thompsons Solicitors
Venue: Central 6, Manchester Central

12.45-14.00
TUC
Working for a Better World: the trade union role in international development
This meeting will discuss the UK trade union movement's role in international development and hear from the Secretary of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell about the value of the trade union contribution to development and DFID's priorities for the future.
Speakers: Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development (DFID); Gemma Tumelty, TUC; Gideon Shoko, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions; Sue Ferns, Prospect.
Chair: Gail Cartmail, Assistant General Secretary, Unite and international development spokesperson for the TUC General Council
Venue: Central 5, Manchester Central
Refreshments will be provided

12.45-13.45
RMT, Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO), Campaign to Stop the Extradition of Sean Garland
Bringing Hope to the Innocent
The meeting will discuss the use of justice systems for political purposes, and the impact this can have on innocent people. The Campaign to Stop the Extradition of Sean Garland was established in order to prevent Garland's extradition to the USA for allegedly trading in US $100 bills forged in North Korea.
Speakers: Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; John McManus, Mojo; Gerry Conlon, Mojo; Paul Gormley, Campaign to Stop the Extradition
Chair: tbc
Venue: Room 1, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester, M2 5NS.
Refreshments provided

12.45
TUC
Black Workers' Rally
Rally for black delegates and observers
Speakers: to be confirmed
Chair: Gloria Mills
Venue: Central 4, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45-14.00
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, supported by GMB, Thompsons Solicitors and Unite
Film Showing of South of the Border & Panel Discussion on Venezuela
The meeting will also include a video message from Oliver Stone, followed by Q and A looking at Venezuela and its role in Latin America today.
Speakers: Ambassador Samuel Moncada of Venezuela; Venezuelan trade union speaker (tbc); Colin Burgon, Chair, Labour Friends of Venezuela; Jennie Bremner, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Dave Mathieson, NEC and Marie Taylor, Community, Youth & Not For Profit sector of Unite, reporting on August delegation to Venezuela
Venue: Bar 38, Peter Street, Manchester (less than two-minute walk from Congress venue.)
Buffet lunch, wine and refreshments will be provided.

12.45
Trade Union Coordinating Group
Joint Action to Stop the Cuts / Campaigning for the Alternative
Our public services, welfare state, communities, jobs and conditions are under the most sustained attack for generations. In Europe there has been mass protest against the cuts and this year's Congress agenda contains numerous motions calling for action. How can we best work together and what are alternatives to the cuts agenda? All welcome.
Speakers: Sally Hunt, General Secretary, UCU; Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; Speaker from PAME (Greek All Workers militant front); Janice Godrich, President, PCS; Richard Murphy, Tax Justice Network; Harry Fletcher, Assistant General Secretary, Napo
Chair: Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU
Venue: Pankhurst Suite, Radisson Edwardian, Peter Street (opposite Manchester Central)
Drinks and lunch sponsored by Leycol Printers

MONDAY EVENING

17.00
Cuba Solidarity Campaign
Havana Club Rum Reception
Speakers: Brendan Barber, General Secretary, TUC (invited); Stephen Cavalier, Thompsons Solicitors; Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; Paul Kenny, General Secretary, GMB; Luis Marron, Political Counsellor, Cuban Embassy; Keith Sonnet, Deputy General Secretary, UNISON; Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary, Unite
Venue: Central 3 & 4, Manchester Central
Refreshments: Havana Club Rum Cocktails

17.30
Daily Mirror
Gizza Proper Job - Time to End Bogus Self-Employment
The great bogus self-employment swindle deprives hundreds of thousands of British workers of basic employment rights and costs the Exchequer billions in lost tax. We'll hear from those at the sharp end, including a taxi driver, construction worker and a tied pub tenant.
Speakers: Alan Ritchie, General Secretary, UCATT; Steve Cottingham, Partner, OH Parsons Solicitors and several self-employed workers who don't want to be named for fear of reprisals.
Chair: Kevin Maguire, Daily Mirror
Venue: Central 5, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

17.30
National Unemployed Centres Combine
The Poor Can't Pay
The top 10% in the UK have 100 times more wealth than the bottom 10% and the top 10% of professionals aged 55-64 own on average £2.2 million in property and pensions, while the bottom 10% of manual workers own less than £8,000 worth of anything! Public spending cuts will put at least ¾ million more on the dole and affect heavy users of services. Join the discussion around how unions and claimants/ service users can organise to resist the cuts.
Speakers: Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; John Stuart, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed and member of the Irish Poor Can't Pay
Chair: Kevin Flynn, NUCC
Venue: Room 6, Manchester Central
Drinks and refreshments provided courtesy of Thompsons Solicitors and Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors

17.30
Prospect
What Future for the UK's Defence Industry
The future of the UK's defence industry is uncertain: a Strategic Defence Review is expected in the autumn and extensive spending cuts have already been proposed. Yet the defence industry makes a major contribution to the national and regional economies and civilian defence workers in the public and private sectors are key to future capability and security.
Speakers: Chris Allam BAE; Professor Trevor Taylor, Defence Academy; Kevin Coyne, National Officer, Unite
Chair: Mike Clancy, Prospect Deputy General Secretary
Venue: Central 8, Manchester Central

17.30
Institute of Employment Rights & United Campaign for the Repeal of Anti-Trade Union Laws
Fighting Unfair Cuts: Resisting Unjust laws
Too many workers are being denied the right to take industrial action in defence of their jobs by the UK's unjust labour laws. John MacDonnell's Bill exposes the weaknesses, corrects the irregularities and brings UK laws closer to the requirements of international standards.
Speakers: John Hendy QC, IER; Keith Ewing, IER; Jeremy Dear, General Secretary, NUJ; Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT & United Campaign; John McDonnell MP
Chair: Carolyn Jones
Venue: Marquee, Manchester Central
Refreshments available

17.30-19.00
TULO - Labour's Unions Together
Labour Leadership Hustings
Candidates for the leadership of the Labour Party answer questions from TUC delegates. With Diane Abbot MP; Ed Balls MP; Andy Burnham MP; David Milliband MP; Ed Milliband MP. All questions must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, via email to helen@unionstogether.org.uk or in writing to the TULO stand, which is number 26/27 in the exhibition area.
Chair: Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary, Unite
Venue: Charter Suite 8, Manchester Central

18.00
Unite Against Fascism (UAF)
After the Elections - Stopping the BNP and the EDL
This meeting aims to bring together the different forces actively combating the BNP and EDL to discuss how we continue the resistance to fascist organisations.
Speakers: Sarah Veale, Head of TUC Equality and Employment Rights Department; Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU; Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Weyman Bennett, National Joint Secretary, UAF; Glyn Ford, former MEP and lifelong anti-fascist
Chair: Sabby Dhalu, National Joint Secretary, UAF
Venue: Main Hall, Mechanics Centre, 103 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD
Drinks and buffet provided

18:30
Blacklist Support Group
Film Premier of Blacklisted
The first ever public showing of new documentary (15 mins) about the illegal Consulting Association blacklist containing personal sensitive details on 3,213 building workers who had raised concerns about safety or unpaid wages. The secret database was used by multi-national construction firms to prevent trade union activists gaining work. The film shares first-hand experience from 12 blacklisted workers (including Ricky Tomlinson) about their fight for justice. There will be Q & A and a discussion on the ongoing campaign against blacklisting and the implications for all trade unions today.
Speakers: Professor Keith Ewing, IER and author of Ruined Lives: Blacklisting in the Construction Industry; Shaun Dey, Film Director, Reel News; John McDonnell, MP; UCATT Executive Council member (invited); plus many blacklisted building workers from Unite and UCATT
Chair: Steve Acheson, blacklisted electrician and Unite Manchester Contracting Branch Secretary
Venue: The Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ

19.00-20.45
Mikron Theatre Company live performance
Striking the Balance
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the '60s-'80s three working women take on the might of a discriminatory establishment in the continuing struggle for equal pay. Fast-paced, inventive and a whole lot of fun, this new show, complete with original music, takes you on a moving journey with a host of colourful characters - including special guest appearances from Labour's Red Queen and the Iron Lady herself. Inspired by the heroic stories of machinists from Dagenham, cleaners from Belfast, dinner ladies from Yorkshire and cooks from Liverpool.
Venue: Engine Hall, The People's History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER

TUESDAY LUNCHTIME

12.45
Justice for Colombia
Colombia - The Struggle for Freedom
The Colombian Government continues to imprison large numbers of trade unionists. Justice for Colombia has so far secured the release of over 20 political prisoners. In March 2010 Alirio Garcia, a member of the executive of the agricultural workers trade union FENSUAGRO, was released after nearly a year in jail, but his wife, Rosalba Gaviria, a trade unionist and peace campaigner, remains in prison without having been convicted of any crime. Please come along and find out what you can do to help her and others.
Speakers: Alirio Garcia, Colombian trade unionist; Brendan Barber, General Secretary, TUC; Christine Blower, General Secretary, NUT; Stephen Cavalier, Chief Executive Thompsons Solicitors; Alan Ritchie, General Secretary, UCATT; Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU
Chair: Jeremy Dear, General Secretary, NUJ
Venue: Central 5, Manchester Central

12.45
Unionlearn/Unions 21
The Future for Union Learning - Publication Launch and Discussion
Speakers: Tom Wilson Director, unionlearn;
Sue Ferns Chair, Unions 21; others tbc
Venue: Central 7, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
Morning Star
Building the Resistance: Defend Public Services from the Con-Dem Cutbacks
Political discussion with Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; Steve Gillan, POA; Mary Davis, TUC Gold Badge holder; People's Charter; John Haylett, Political Editor, Morning Star; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Mary Turner, GMB; Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary, Unite (invited); Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary, Unite (invited); UNISON national speaker
Chair: Carolyn Jones. Director, IER
Venue: Premier Inn, Bishopsgate, Manchester, opposite Manchester Central
Refreshments: Food and drink sponsored by Leycol Printers

12.45-14.30
NASUWT
Dereliction of Duty
Is the decision to scrap the Building Schools for the Future Programme, together with new measures to water down existing planning laws in order to set up Free Schools, putting children's education health and welfare at risk? What will the coalition government's school building cuts mean for jobs and the economy?
Speakers: Chris Keates, General Secretary, NASUWT; Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education; Alan Ritchie, General Secretary, UCATT
Chair: Chris Lines, President, NASUWT
Venue: Stanley Suite, Midland Hotel
Light refeshments provided

12.45-14.00
Association of Teachers and Lecturers
England's Schools: Not Open for Business
Join ATL to hear us reveal the story behind those private companies looking to run England's school services. We debate the key questions: should public money be used to line shareholders' pockets? What's the evidence they'll do a good job? And should private companies be able to influence children's education?
Speakers: Lord Larry Whitty (tbc); Dr Mary Bousted, ATL general secretary; Marcus Fagent, Partner, EC Harris
Chair: Andy Brown, ATL president
Venue: Derby and Chester Suite, Midland Hotel
Buffet lunch and wine provided

12.45
TUC
Apprenticeships, Equality and Diversity
Apprenticeships are enjoying a surge in popularity. However, ethnic minorities and disabled people are under-represented on apprenticeship schemes, particularly at Level 3, and traditional patterns of occupational segregation by gender are also firmly entrenched, with women being over-represented in low-status, low pay areas of 'women's work'. The gender pay gap in apprenticeships stands at 21%. This meeting will discuss what steps need to be taken to redress the balance.
Speakers: Rebecca Gill, YWCA; Gail Cartmail, Unite; John Myers, National Apprenticeship Service; Anne Madden, EHRC (tbc)
Chair: Frances O'Grady, TUC Deputy Gen Sec
Venue: Central 3, Manchester Central

12.45-14.00
Trade Union Friends of Israel (TUFI)
What Can Trade Unions do to Aid Peace?
The event will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the ongoing relationship between the British, Palestinian and Israeli trade union movements, and look at what trade unions can do to aid the progression of the peace process.
Invited guest speakers include: Brendan Barber, General Secretary, TUC; Avital Shapira-Shabirow, Head of International Department, The Histadrut (Israeli TUC); Paul Usiskin, UK Friends of the Abraham Fund Initiatives; Alon Roth-Snir, The Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Israel
Chair: Roger Lyons, Chair, Trade Union Friends of Israel
Venue: Central 8, Manchester Central
Refreshments: Buffet lunch, tea and coffee

12.45-14.00
TUC/TUSDAC/Climate Solidarity Project
Launch of the TUC's National GreenWorkplaces Network
Working with the many unions that now have well established green workplace projects, the national network aims to build on the progress made by the TUC's GreenWorkplaces Project and the Climate Solidarity Project. The aim is to reach a critical mass of green initiatives that can have a national impact on sustainable workplaces. The launch is supported by the publication of a new TUC negotiators' guide: Greener Deals - Negotiating on Environmental Issues at Work. In the current economic climate, unions are under pressure to focus on saving jobs and fighting cuts - yet in the aftermath of Copenhagen the debate around the future of the UK's low carbon economy has never been more critical.
Speakers: Paul Noon, Prospect General Secretary, TUC General Council and TUSDAC Co-Chair; Tim Baster, Director, Climate Solidarity; Sarah Pearce, TUC Greenworkplaces Project Leader; Clara Paillard, PCS Branch Secretary, National Museums Liverpool
Chair: Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary, South West TUC
Venue: Central 4, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
Unite and Liberty
Our Rights - Protecting our Hard Won Freedoms
Join us to discuss coming threats to UK employment and human rights and how they must be defended
Speakers: Shami Chakrabarti, Director, Liberty; John Hendy QC, Old Square Chambers; Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary, Unite; Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary, Unite
Chair: Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor, The Mirror (invited)
Venue: The Marquee, Manchester Central
Refreshments and sandwiches provided

TUESDAY EVENING

17.30
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Time to Cut Trident: The Cuts and Jobs Questions
As the government massacres public spending, Trident is an obvious choice to cut. But what impact will this have on the work force? Come and discuss the issues and hear the latest information on the subject.
Speakers: Heather Wakefield, National Secretary for Local Government, UNISON; Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, CWU; Professor John Foster, author of New Trident and Jobs briefing
Chair: Kate Hudson, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Venue: Victoria Suite, The Midland Hotel
Refreshments: drinks and snacks

17.30
Manchester Trades Union Council
Defend Public Services, Prevent Privatisation
Speakers: Christine Blower, General Secretary, NUT; Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU, Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Mount Street
Buffet provided sponsored by RAPAR

17.30
Palestine Solidary Campaign
End the Siege of Gaza, Free Palestine
Building the movement for Palestine: seize the moment - enough is enough!
Speakers: Bob Crow, General Secretary RMT; Gerry Doherty, General Secretary TSSA; Keith Sonnet, Deputy General Secretary, UNISON; Sarah Colborne, PSC Director, survivor of the Mavi Marmara; Hugh Lanning, Deputy General Secretary PCS and Chair PSC; Palestinian Speaker tbc
Venue: The Marquee, Manchester Central

17.30
TUC
A Lost Generation? Young People in the Global Economic Crisis
Youth unemployment is at its highest level since the early 1980s. Despite a fragile recovery, the number of young people facing long-term unemployment continues to rise. At the same time, demand for apprenticeships and places in further and higher education far exceeds supply. The coalition government's scrapping of employment support measures for young people sends out worrying signals. We explore what solutions can be provided by government, employers and trade unions.
Speakers: Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC; Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; Lesley Mercer, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy/Unions 21; Aaran Porter, President, National Union of Students
Chair: John Walsh, Unite and Chair of TUC Young Members Forum
Venue: Central 6, Manchester Central

1730-1830
Amnesty International
Celebrating our History of Union Solidarity
The launch of an independent history of trade union involvement with Amnesty, which has been researched by Ed Heery of Cardiff Business School. Come and head Ed, as well as Amnesty director Kate Allen and TUC International Spokesperson Sally Hunt and share with us the lessons as well as the achievements of our joint activism.
Venue: Central 7, Manchester Central

17.30-19.00
Unions 21
Football Finance - Keeping Out of the Red
Are football clubs too important to their local communities to be allowed to fail financially, and if so how can we make football sustainable at all levels?
Speakers: Gordon Taylor, Professional Footballers Association; Andy Burnham MP
Chair: Sue Ferns, Chair of Unions 21
Venue: Derby/Chester Suite, Midland Hotel
Light refreshments provided

18.00-20.00
Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom (CPBF), supported by the Carnegie UK Trust
Media for All - the Democratic Challenge
Following the publication of Making Good Society, the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland, this event will discuss the crucial role of news media in empowering peoples' participation in public debate at a time of cutbacks in regional and local media. The event will also explore how civil society organisations can contribute to a more democratic news media.
Speakers: Jeremy Dear, General Secretary NUJ; Judy Gordon, Manchester NUJ; Joyce McMillan, Inquiry commissioner and chief theatre critic for the Scotsman; Granville Williams, CPBF
Venue: Mayor's Parlour, Manchester Town Hall, M2 5DB (Albert Square entrance)
Refreshments provided

17.30
Trade Union Coordinating Group
Robbing the Retired, Working Longer
The Hutton Review into public sector pensions, scrapping the public pension link to RPI, raising retirement ages and the closure of private sector pension schemes will all entrench inequality and attack the standard of livings of millions. How can we defend a decent retirement and argue for decent pensions for all?
Speakers: Jeremy Dear, General Secretary, NUJ; Luke Crawley, Assistant General Secretary, BECTU; John McDonnell MP; Hilary Salt, union pension advisor; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Ivan Walker, Thompsons Solicitors
Chair: Mick Shaw, FBU
Venue: Central Room 8, Manchester Central

20.00
Morning Star Social
Venue: Sound Control, next to Oxford Road station - late bar, live music: full details at Stand 72

WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME

12.45
Burma Campaign
Forced Labour in Burma: A Crime against Humanity
The dictatorship in Burma has some of the most repressive, anti-trade union laws in the world. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has accused the regime of 'a crime against humanity' for its widespread use of forced labour. Trade unionists in Burma have asked the international trade union movement to support their struggle for democracy and human rights. Come and hear about the situation in Burma, and what British trade unions can do to help. There's also an Equity video for the Free Zargana Campaign, featuring Andy Parsons.
Speakers: Brendan Barber (TBC); Sally Hunt, General Secretary, UCU; TUC International Spokesperson (TBC); Joseph O'Reilly, International Adviser, ATL; Josie Bird, UNISON National Executive Council; Mary Hla, Campaigns Officer, Burma Campaign UK
Chair: Dr Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary, NASUWT
Venue: Central 6, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
Unions 21/Fabian Society
What is Fair Pay and How do we Achieve it?
Speakers: Ken Mulkearn, Editor, IDS Pay Report; Ged Nichols, General Secretary, Accord; Sue Ferns Chair, Unions 21; Josie Irwin, Head of Employment Relations, Royal College of Nursing
Venue: Central 5, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45
TUC Disability Committee
Tackling Disability Hate Crime
How to prevent hate crimes against disabled people
Speakers: Stephen Brookes MBE, Joint Chair, NUJ Disabled Members Council, CPS Community Forum and hate crime panel, TUC Disability Committee; Sasha Callaghan, former President of UCU and TUC Disability Committee; Nadine Tilbury, Senior Policy Officer, Crown Prosecution Service
Chair: Mark Fysh, TUC General Council, Chair,
TUC Disability Committee
Venue: Central 3, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided

12.45-14.00
TUC
How Can Trade Unions End Low Pay? The Minimum Wage, Living Wages and Collective Bargaining
This fringe event discusses how unions can deliver for the low-paid in a tough economic and political environment. What role should the minimum wage and living wage campaigns have in supporting and developing our core collective bargaining agenda? What can we do for hard-to-recruit workers in the private sector? Can we strengthen alliances with campaigning groups? Manchester has recently adopted its own living wage: will other cities follow? This event also marks the launch of the joint TUC/ Fair Pay Network toolkit for living wage campaigners.
Speakers: Heather Wakefield, Head of Local Government, UNISON, member of the Low Pay Commission (LPC); John Hannett, General Secretary, USDAW, member of the LPC; Karen Buck MP, Chair of the Fair Pay Network; campaigning for an all-party parliamentary group on low pay; Paul Mason, BBC Newsnight's business and industrial correspondent
Chair: Frances O'Grady, Deputy General Secretary, TUC, member of the LPC
Venue: Central 7, Manchester Central
Refreshments provided.

12.45-14.00
TUC
London 2012: Raising an Honest Sweat or a Sweatshop Bonanza?
The Playfair 2012 Campaign wants the organisers of the London Olympics and Paralympics to aim for gold and ensure that workers producing sportswear and goods with the Olympic logo have their rights respected. The meeting will discuss the joint campaign being organised by the TUC, Labour Behind the Label, affiliates and NGOs. Speakers will look at what progress has been made to date and the meeting will discuss how to build the joint campaign to pressure for change collectively.
Speakers: Ashling Seely, International Textile, Garment and Leather Worker's Federation; Sam Gurney, TUC; Sam Maher, Labour behind the Label
Chair: Diana Holland, Assistant General Secretary, Unite, Chair, International Trade Union Confederation Women's committee
Venue: Central 8, Manchester Central
Refreshments will be provided

12.45-14.30
GoSkills - The Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport
The New Skills Agenda - What's in it for You?
A unique opportunity at Congress to hear about The New Skills Agenda and how it may affect you, to share your skills and training experiences and to put your questions to senior members of GoSkills.
Speakers: Eleanor Bale, Director, UK Skills, Go Skills; Gail Cartmail, Assistant General Secretary, Unite
Chair: Neil Stockell, CEO, Go Skills
Venue: Disraeli Suite, Raddison Edwardian Hotel
Refreshments: Hot buffet lunch provided

12.45
Trade Union Coordinating Group
Deadly Serious: Health & Safety Under Threat
'People occasionally get killed, it's unfortunate but its part of life.' Lord Young' statement signalled his review will weaken workplace protection for workers, adults and children. The HSE could be cut and employers will be using the economic crisis cut corners. How can unions and communities work together to against the attack on our safety?
Speakers: Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT; Ronnie Draper, President, BFAWU; Hilda Palmer, the Hazards Campaign; Alan Ritchie, General Secretary,UCATT; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS
Chair: Mick Shaw, FBU
Venue: Barbirolli Suite, Radisson Edwardian, Peter Street, opposite Manchester Central
Refreshments: Lunch and drinks sponsored by Leycol Printers

12.45
Unite
Justice for Moroccan Workers in Gibraltar
Unite and human rights campaigners are fighting for justice for Moroccan workers who are denied basic rights in Gibraltar.
Speakers: Professor Keith Ewing, ICTUR; Shane Enright, Amnesty International; Carlie Sigarello, Unite Officer, Gibraltar; Zohra Victor, Moroccan activist
Chair: Kevin Coyne, National Officer, Unite
Venue: Central 4, Manchester Central
Refreshments: Food and drink available

WEDNESDAY EVENING

17.30-19.00
Public and Commercial Services Union
Campaigning Against the Cuts: There is an Alternative
PCS represents over 300,000 members working across the civil service in most government departments and agencies. We don't believe the Government needs to make the drastic cuts in spending it has proposed. Come and listen to our alternatives.
Speakers: Mark Serwotka, General Sercretary, PCS; Richard Murphy, Tax Justice Network
Chair: Janice Godrich, President, PCS
Venue: Rylands Suite, Novotel Hotel, Dickinson Street, Manchester M1 4LX
Refreshments provided

17.30-19.15pm
TUC
Can Robin Hood Save our Public Services and Protect the World's Poor?
Using the financial crisis as an excuse, frontline public services- like the NHS and our schools - are under attack. A Robin Hood Tax challenges the 'there is no alternative' dogma that is dominating the debate and would ensure that the people who caused this mess pay to clean it up. A tiny tax on banks, hedge funds and other finance institutions that would raise billions to save our public services, tackle poverty and climate change, at home and abroad. This meeting will debate how unions and members can support the campaign as an alternative to extreme and deep cuts and to help the world's poor.
Speakers: David Threlfall, actor (Frank in Shameless and RSC member) and campaigner; Polly Jones, UNISON; Chris Keates, General Secretary, NASUWT; David Hillman, Stamp Out Poverty
Chair: Paul Kenny, General Secretary, GMB
Venue: Central 7, Manchester Central
Refreshments will be provided

17.30
Trade Union Coordinating Group
Public Services Not Private Profit
Thousands of Academy Schools sponsored by corporate interests, new private universities, privatisation extending to every aspect of health care via GP commissioning, the wholesale privatisation of our post office and even the total privatisation of prisons threaten the very fabric of our communities. There is a renewed need for users and providers of public services to unite to put public services before private profit.
Speakers: Christine Blower, General Secretary, NUT; Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, CWU; Colin Moses, National Chair,
POA; Alan Whittaker, President, UCU
Chair: Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU
Venue: Central 8, Manchester Central
Refreshments: Drinks and food sponsored by Leycol Printers

19.00-23.00
Federation of Entertainment Unions Reception
Comedian Susan Murray will be hosting the night, and live music will be provided by Manchester-based MU members, Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band.
Venue: The Rain Bar, 80 Great Bridgewater Street, Castlefield, Manchester, M1 5JG (five-minute walk from the Congress venue).
Admission is by ticket only. For tickets see an FEU member.