Fringe guide - Congress 2016

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. Download Fringe guide (PDF) (ePub)

SUNDAY EVENING

19:00
Institute of Employment Rights/Campaign for Trade Union Freedom
A Manifesto for Labour Law: towards a comprehensive revision of workers’ rights
The world of work has changed and the laws governing our workplaces need to change too. IER has developed a radical new agenda placing workers at the heart of an economic revival. Our manifesto shifts the balance of regulation from legislation to collective bargaining and gives the UK’s 31 million workers a voice at the heart of government via a Ministry of Labour.
Speakers: Keith Ewing; John Hendy QC; Len McCluskey, UNITE; Jane Carolan, Chair, Policy Committee, UNISON
Chair: Carolyn Jones
Venue: Regency Room, Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road
Refreshments provided

MONDAY LUNCHTIME

12.45
Class (Centre for Labour and Social Studies)
A year of Tory rule: taking stock of public services
Under David Cameron’s government, the first year of Tory rule since the early 90s, public services have seen savage cuts in spending while doctors and teachers have been pushed to industrial action. In the chaotic aftermath of Brexit, new PM Theresa May appears to have pressed pause on budget cuts although the threat of privatisation still looms. In this session, we will take stock of the current state of our public services, and ask: what next?
Speakers: Anne Swift, President, NUT; Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It; Dr Faiza Shaheen, Director, Class; political commentator, tbc; junior doctor, tbc
Chair: Dr Faiza Shaheen, Director, Class
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre

12.45
Electoral Reform Society
TUC report on electoral reform: what next?
The conversation about electoral reform is picking up pace right across the union movement. There is now deep consideration about forming policy in many trade unions; those with existing policy are considering making it a priority campaign. The TUC’s recent Touchstone Extra report Getting it in Proportion, to inform the TUC and its members is developing these policies, marks another key milestone in the journey to electoral reform. Where next?
Speakers: Howard Beckett, Unite; Ian Lawrence, Napo; Lynn Henderson, PCS
Chair: Katie Ghose, Electoral Reform Society
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton Centre
Lunch provided

12.45
GMB
GMB Grunwick 40 Exhibition Launch/Meeting
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Grunwick dispute, which showed the importance of trade union solidarity and that Asian women are strong resilient, trade unionists. The issue of trade union recognition they fought for is still relevant today. Come along to the launch of the GMB Grunwick Exhibition and be inspired.
Speakers: Tim Roache, General Secretary, GMB; Jack Dromey MP, joint leader of the dispute and Secretary of Brent Trades Council; Sujata Aurora, Grunwick40 Community Group
Chair: Kamaljeet Jandu, National Equality Officer, GMB
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre
Light refreshments provided

12.45
GMB and Unite
From Uber to Sports Direct – How trade unions can win the fight for decent work for all.
Speakers: Sophie Shaw, Unite hotel workers branch; Justin Bowden, National Secretary, GMB; Ros Wynne Jones, Daily Mirror Real Britain columnist; Ian Lavery MP, Shadow minister for trade unions and civil society (tbc)
Chair: Steve Turner, Unite assistant general secretary
Venue: Regency Suite, Hilton Metropole

12.45
Morning Star
The battle for the soul of the Movement
The ideological case for austerity lies in tatters, but the neoliberal assault on wages, public services and workers' rights continues unabated. How should the Labour movement respond? As the daily paper of the left, the Morning Star is uniquely positioned to provide analysis and strategy for the forthcoming struggles. Come and hear Star editor Ben Chacko and others offer their perspectives.
Speakers: Ben Chacko, editor Morning Star; Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite and other speakers from across the movement
Chair: Carolyn Jones, Director, Institute of Employment Rights
Venue: Restaurant, Brighton Centre
Buffet lunch and soft drinks provided

12.45
TUC Race Relations Committee
Engaging Young Black Workers
The TUC report Living on the Margins highlighted how young Black workers have been disproportionately affected by unemployment and the growth in part-time, insecure and low-paid employment, and new TUC reports have revealed that unemployment is higher and pay is lower for black workers, regardless of qualification levels.
Speakers: tbc
Chair: tbc
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

12.45
TUCG
Rise Like Lions – Building the Fightback Against Austerity and TU Act
We need to build maximum unity across the movement to confront the implementation of the TU Act and the ongoing Tory austerity agenda. Keeping the right to strike requires a collective response so that no union is isolated and we need our elected representatives to leap a campaign against cuts, privatisation and anti-trade union laws. Come and join the discussion.
Speakers: Matt Wrack, FBU; Kevin Courtney, NUT; Mark Serwotka, PCS; Sally Hunt, UCU; Pat Smith MP; Rebecca Long-Bailey MP (tbc)
Chair: Mick Cash, RMT
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

12.45
Trades Union Councils Joint Consultative Committee
The Welfare Charter
Why trade unions should be supporting The Welfare Charter. Members of the Trades Union Councils Joint Consultative Committee and the TUC’s National Consultative Committee for Unemployed Workers Centre will argue support for the eight demands of the charter.
Speakers: tbc
Chair: Alec McFadden, TUCJCC
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

12.45
Unions 21
Brexit, devolution and collective bargaining – are there opportunities for unions?
Devolution is radically changing the political and potentially economic landscape of the UK. Where are unions on this and how can we use these new structures to strengthen union capacity and collective bargaining? On the back of initial research into this, the panel will be exploring the new arrangements and offering some ideas as to how unions can move forward with these arrangements.
Speakers: Jo Stevens MP; Anne Douglas, Fair Work Convention, Scotland; Claire Sullivan, CSP
Chair, Jon Skewes, Vice-Chair Unions 21 and Director for Employment, Communications and Policy, RCM
Venue: Room 6, Brighton Centre

MONDAY EVENING

17.45
TUC
Does Rail Privatisation Deliver the Best Deal for Passengers and Taxpayers
While passengers face annual fare increases, cuts to services and staffing are taking place across the rail network. Train companies argue fares income will be spent on upgrades and investment while ‘modernisation’ plans will benefit customers. Critics argue services are increasingly late, unreliable and overcrowded while cuts to services and staffing have safety and security implications. Money leaks out of the system via payments to shareholders, fragmentation and more.
Hosted by the Action for Rail campaign, led by the TUC, ASLEF, RMT, TSSA and Unite, which calls for an integrated, national railway under public ownership.
Speakers: Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport; Lianna Etkind, Public Transport Campaigner, Campaign for Better Transport
Chair: tbc
Venue: Room 6, Brighton Centre
Buffet food and refreshments provided

17.45
Cuba Solidarity Campaign and Venezuela
Cuba and Venezuela: International solidarity
US intervention in Venezuela continues, including huge destabilization efforts by the US-backed right-wing opposition.
In Cuba, despite the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the US, the blockade remains in place, the illegal US occupation of Guantánamo Bay continues and US intervention continues on the island.
Come and hear about the latest news in both Cuba and Venezuela and why solidarity is now more important than ever.
Speakers: H. E. Teresita Vicente, Cuban Ambassador; H. E. Rocío Maneiro, Venezuelan Ambassador; Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF; Christine Blower, former General Secretary, NUT
Chair: Roger McKenzie, Assistant General Secretary
Venue: Meeting Room 1a, Brighton Centre
Havana Club rum cocktails will be provided

17.45
Show Racism the Red Card
Racism on the rise, education is the answer
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s anti-racism educational charity, established in 1996. The campaign works with over 50,000 young people in the UK annually.
From day one we have relied upon the trade union movement to support our anti-racism work. Although racism has changed in the last 20 years, with the rise of Islamophobia and racism towards asylum seekers and travellers, it has not been reduced. The key to fighting racism is education and we are proud of the role that we have played alongside trade unions in developing key resources and training for adults and young people.
Speakers: Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite; Christine Blower, former General Secretary, NUT; Tim Roache, General Secretary, GMB; Leroy Rosenior, former West Ham striker and SRtRC Patron. Further speakers to be confirmed
Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre

17.45
Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy: Jobs, skills and security
This event will explore the role of the civil nuclear industry on jobs, skills and security. Looking across the whole fuel cycle – decommissioning and nuclear new build.
Speakers: Sue Ferns, Prospect; Tom Greatrex, Nuclear Industry Association;
Justin Bowden, GMB (invited); Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary for International Trade, Energy and Climate Change
Chair: Kevin Coyne, Unite
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

LUNCHTIME

12.45
TUC
Dying to Work Campaign
The Dying to Work Campaign is calling for additional employment protection for terminally ill workers. The campaign is being coordinated by the TUC on behalf of 15 affiliates, national charities and patients groups. Employers, including E-On, Carillion, AB Produce, Isle of Man Steam Packet Railway Company, Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust and others have signed a voluntary charter to give terminally ill workers support and guarantees at work following diagnosis. Come and hear from Jacci Woodcock, terminally ill GMB member who faced dismissal during her treatment for cancer and support the campaign for better protection at work.
Speakers: Jacci Woodcock, terminally ill GMB member; Tim Roache, General Secretary GMB; Dave Ward, General Secretary CWU
Chair: Kate Hudson, CWU Midlands Regional Secretary
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

12.45
Justice for Colombia
Building Peace in Colombia: Gender and Social Justice
Colombia is on the brink of achieving peace after nearly 60 years of conflict. Victoria Sandino leads the Gender Subcommittee of the peace negotiations for the FARC-EP. The Peace Process in Colombia is the first ever to have a chapter on gender issues. Via video link she will discuss the ground breaking achievements in the Havana peace talks and how trade unions and civil society have been supporting the peace process and the struggle for social justice in Colombia.
Speakers: Victoria Sandino, Leader of the Gender subcommittee of the peace negotiations for the FARC-EP peace delegation; Stephen Cavalier, CEO, Thompsons Solicitors; Mariela Kohon, Director, Justice for Colombia; Ian Lavery MP, Chair of the Trade Union Group of MPs; Simon Dubbins, Director of International, Unite
Chair: Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre
Lunch provided

12.45
NUT and ATL
Education for all – or just a free for all?
The meeting will consider the government's latest plans for education as announced in the Queen's Speech and expected to be published in an Education for All Bill later this year.
Speakers: Dr Mary Bousted, Association of Teachers and Lecturers; Kevin Courtney, National Union of Teachers
Chair: Ed Dorrell, TES
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

12.45
Papworth Trust
Brexit – What next for disabled people?
The referendum result creates profound, questions for the future of UK disability legislation. With the campaign failing to address the concerns of 12 million disabled people in our country, Papworth Trust will examine what’s next for disabled people after the EU.
Chair: Vicky McDermott, Chair or Care and Support
Venue: Room 6, Brighton Centre
Lunch provided

12.45
Prospect
Working harder not smarter – the role of unions in the workplace productivity
Based on evidence from more than 7,500 union members, a new report on productivity shows that the majority of workers feel that they are working harder not smarter. However, these workers also think that their organisations could be more productive if managers listened to and involved the workforce in how decisions are made, how work is organised and how results are delivered.
This meeting will explore the role of unions in developing a ‘high road’ to productivity, achieved through driving up quality rather than embarking on a race to the bottom on skills and pay.
Speakers: Paul Hackett, Director of the Smith Institute; Mike Clancy, General Secretary, Prospect; Baroness Margaret Prosser
Venue: Meeting Room 1b, Brighton Centre
Lunch provided

12.45
TUC in partnership with the equality committees
Organising for equality after the EU referendum
The result of the EU referendum will pose unique challenges to trade unionists and equality campaigners. Incidences of hate crime have soared and hard-fought equality rights may be at risk. It has never been more important to defend rights and mobilise against hate crime. This meeting will look at the implications of the vote to leave the EU for equality in the UK, and how trade unionists can support members and organise for equality now and post Brexit.
Speakers: Ali Harris, Equality and Diversity Forum; Maria Exall, TUC LGBT Committee; Gary Younge, The Guardian; Phyllis Opoku-Gyimahm, PCS
Chair: Sean McGovern, Unite
Venue: Regent Room, Grand Hotel
Refreshments provided

12.45
Unions 21
Unions and digital – how are unions navigating the digital world?
What makes a successful digital campaign or union website? How do we use these new tools effectively to increase our union strength? This panel will be looking at what strengths and opportunities digital tools offer and how we can evolve our practices to take into account the expectations of workers online.
Speakers: Prof Nick Anstead, LSE; Antonia Bance, TUC; Martin Smith, GMB
Chair: Sue Ferns, Chair Unions 21, Prospect Deputy General Secretary
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton Centre

TUESDAY EVENING

17.45
Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group
No Jobs on a Dead Planet?
What does the Paris agreement on climate change mean for trade unions and what should we call for from the government?
The meeting will discuss the challenges, difficult decisions, and opportunities that trade unions face in responding to the threat of catastrophic climate change while safeguarding jobs in the transition to a low carbon economy. It will also consider the outcome of the UN climate talks in December, the record of our own government, and the warning from the ITUC’s Trade Union Climate Summit in September that there are “no jobs on a dead planet”.
Speakers: Manuel Cortes: General Secretary, TSSA; Chris Baugh: Assistant General Secretary, PCS; Bill Adams: Regional Secretary, Yorkshire and Humber TUC; Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion (tbc)
Chair: Suzanne Jeffery, Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre

17.45
Centre for Responsible Credit and Jubilee Debt
Reviving the economy: Why we need a household debt write off
Interest rates are at an all-time low, yet the burden of consumer debt on working people across the UK has never been greater. While overall consumer debt fell after the financial crisis, it’s now on the rise again. And because wages haven’t kept up with living costs, households are spending more of their weekly income on debt servicing, and many are taking on more debt just to cover basic needs. This situation is deeply unjust and unsustainable, and could get even worse with the economic impacts of the EU referendum. This session explores the potential for a UK ‘Debt Jubilee’ – a household debt write-off – to revive the economy and lift the burden of the most extreme and unfair household debt.
Speakers: Damon Gibbons – Director, Centre for Responsible Credit; Sarah-Jayne Clifton – Director, Jubilee Debt Campaign
Chair: Eric Roberts, President, UNISON
Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

17.45
Make Votes Matter
Proportional representation: Uniting against minority rule
This will be a cross-party discussion of the progressive case for electoral reform: how unions and their members stand to benefit from a truly democratic electoral system, and the key role that they can play in winning this change. With support for Proportional Representation growing rapidly within the Labour movement and right across the UK, this event is about putting PR at the centre of progressive politics, and putting unions at the centre of the campaign for real democracy.
Speakers: Clive Lewis MP, Labour; Jonathon Reynolds MP, Labour; Ian Lawrence, Napo; Tommy Sheppard MP, SNP, Jonathan Bartley, Green Party; Mary Southcott, Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
Chair: Klina Jordan, Make Votes Matter
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre

17.45
PSC
Palestine is being built out of existence – time for action
Today over 600.000 Israeli settlers are living in illegal settlements built on land stolen from the Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank. In 2016, the Israeli government has flattened 660 houses and other structures, leaving almost a thousand Palestinians homeless, many of them children.
Settlements are not a victimless crime.
Join us at the PSC fringe meeting to hear about our campaign to end to the colonial settlement drive at the heart of the Israeli occupation, and the biggest block in the way of a peaceful solution to the conflict, and how you can be part of the movement for justice and equality for the Palestinian people.
Everybody welcome.
Please visit our stand in the exhibition area for more information.
Speakers: Hasan Barghouti, Director Democracy and Workers Rights Centre in Palestine; Sally Hunt, General Secretary, UCU; Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite the Union; Josie Bird, UNISON NEC and Vice Chair of the International Committee; Owen Tudor, Head of TUC International Relations Department; Hugh Lanning, Chair, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Chair: Christine Blower, International Secretary NUT and Patron of PSC
Venue: Room 1A, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

17.45
TUC
How can unions adapt to thrive in a digital-first world?
The generation now coming into the workforce has grown up as digital natives, not knowing what the world was like before social media and mobile technologies. How will trade unions need to adapt to stay relevant to these potential new members? In this session we will explore some of the new opportunities in digital technologies and the principles of change that underpin them. And using examples drawn from the USA and UK, we’ll discuss how they might be used to transform how British unions work, in ways that better suit our members’ needs.
Speakers: Emma Mulqueeny, Founder/CEO Rewired State & Young Rewired State; Jess Kutch, Co-founder Coworker.org, via video link; Nick Scott, Digital Manager UNISON
Chair: John Wood, Digital Manager, TUC
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided

17.45
War on Want
The Marikana miners’ massacre and progress
Thousands of South African platinum miners, ruthlessly exploited by foreign-owned mining companies, went on strike to demand a living wage in 2012. Their wages had barely changed since the apartheid era and they lived in abject poverty. On 16 August 2012, South African police used automatic weapons to shoot 34 Lonmin miners down and wound 78 more. Many were shot in the back and head while fleeing.
The official government inquiry into the massacre blamed the miners. To this day no police officer, politician, or Lonmin manager has been brought to justice for the murder of those 34 striking workers. Support the South African trade unionists and civil society groups setting up an independent inquiry to expose the truth behind the massacre.
Speakers: Trevor Ngwane, Marikana Support Campaign, South Africa; Jim Nicoll, lawyer representing the wounded miners and families of the dead miners at the Farlam Inquiry; Jim Kelly, Chair Unite London and Eastern Region
Chair: Tom Lebert, War on Want
Venue: Restaurant, Brighton Centre
Light refreshments provided

19.00–22.00
Public and Commercial Services Union
PCS Host JC4PM Event
This will be a night of comedy, music and politics. To purchase your tickets go to http://bit.ly/29OhX2o
Music from Billy Bragg and Grace Petrie. Comedy from Francesca Martinez, Grainne McGuire, Steve Gribbin and Robert Ince. Poetry from Attilla The Stockbroker. Politics from Mark Serwotka and others
Venue: Brighton Dome