NUS and TUC agreement in full

This protocol outlines the development of a new partnership between the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) based on joint campaigning and support and sets out 10 ways in which we will work together over the next year.

NUS and the TUC are affiliate-based, democratic organisations committed to representing the best interests of their members.

The TUC is the voice of Britain at work, with 54 affiliated unions representing around six million workers, campaigning for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad.

NUS is a voluntary membership organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of students and its member students' unions. Through its 600 member students' unions in further and higher education, it represents the interests of more than seven million students.

This agreement represents recognition by both the TUC and NUS of a shared belief in social justice, collective organisation and democratic participation on campuses, in workplaces, and within the wider community.

Both the trade union movement and the student movement are committed to developing a new generation of activists who are engaged in the political process, participants in their local communities and campaigners to create a fairer, more prosperous society. Our vision is underpinned by the principles of social justice and environmental sustainability.

The TUC’s priorities are set out in the 'TUC Campaign Plan' and those of NUS in ‘A New Deal for the Next Generation’. These documents reflect a shared objective of a society in which there is an education system that allows everyone to fulfil their potential; where there is guaranteed employment and quality jobs; and where workers enjoy strong collective and individual rights at work.

To pursue these joint ambitions and to provide support to each organisation’s campaigning and strategic priorities, the TUC and NUS will:

One. Work together to promote equality and fight discrimination in all its forms on campuses, in workplaces and society in general.

Two. Work together to deliver training for youth and student activists in organising and campaigning on campuses, in workplaces and in our communities.

Three. The TUC will support the NUS commission on the future of work.

Four. Work together to build a nationwide campaign to spread the living wage in further and higher education, and workplaces beyond.

Five. Work together to defend the public value of further and higher education, challenging privatisation and outsourcing in colleges and universities.

Six. NUS will support the TUC Young Workers’ Forum Priority Campaigns and the work of the Forum at local, regional and national level.

Seven. Work together to inspire and mentor women to be leaders in the student movement, the trade union movement and wider society.

Eight. Work together to ensure high quality training and decent working conditions for apprentices, and to raise the voice of apprentices within policy debates, campaigns and within the trade union and student movements.

Nine. Work together to help students unions and trade unions develop relationships and form campaign alliances.

Ten. NUS will support TUC efforts to promote trade unions and trade union membership to students and will assist the TUC in exploring the potential of a new ‘gateway’ to union membership for young workers.

To monitor the development and operation of this agreement both organisations will nominate an appropriate national official who will meet regularly throughout the year to review progress.

The Partnership will be reviewed in August 2014