Wales Blog listing
'45' blogs listed
Air pollution - a workplace issue
Air pollution is blighting communities. It is affecting the health of workers on their journeys to and from work. It also harms workers while they are at work (both those working indoors and out). It’s why tackling air pollution is a key priority for unions.
The fight for dignity and security for older workers
Increasing numbers of people are working into later life but too many are being forced out of work due to ill health and consigned to poverty. We cannot allow this to continue and change needs to happen now to protect older workers from an uncertain future.
How can we make the remote working revolution less middle class?
What can be done to make sure that the Welsh Government's commitment to supporting more remote working doesn't end up re-enforcing inequalities in the labour market.
International Women’s Day 2021: A woman’s place is in her union
On International Women's Day, Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj argues that women deserve a feminist, intersectional recovery. But it will only be achieved if women workers are at the heart of recovery plans and at the decision-making tables.
Covid workplace safety in Wales: Enforce the rules and listen to workers
Too many employers in Wales have not followed the Welsh Government's guidance on Covid safe workplaces. New regulations will need to be properly monitored and enforced if they are to be effective - and that includes making sure workers are heard.
HeartUnions: the value of union learning in Wales
During Heart Unions week, we celebrate trade unions and how they make life better for working people. One of the most important ways they do this is through union learning and skills training, something that changes the lives of learners for the better.
Wales needs a better Self-Isolation Support Scheme
Changes need to be made to Wales' Self-Isolation Support Scheme to make sure that all lower paid workers are getting the help they need to isolate.
Making our workplaces in Wales a better, fairer place
Making our workplaces in Wales a better, fairer place
It’s never been more important for workers and employers to be aware of their workplace rights and responsibilities.
Problem Gambling - a trade union issue
Over the last 15 years the gambling industry has changed beyond recognition. Since the passing of the 2005 Gambling Act the sector has grown at an alarming pace.
How men are taught that their mental health doesn’t matter - we can change that
How men are taught that their mental health doesn’t matter - we can change that
Covid-19 Firebreak in Wales: what it means for you
Firebreak lockdown regulations will be introduced in Wales from 23 October. Find out everything you need to know about the lockdown and what your rights are as a worker.
Black History Month: Let’s choose joy
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been quite a year. The Covid crisis has shown us more clearly than ever that, even if we're all in the same sea, some of us are in very different boats. And some of us are floating in the water just trying our best not to go under.
Learning Welsh at work: proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks
All my adult life I’ve made excuses about why I didn’t speak Welsh like “I didn’t learn it in school” or “my family didn’t speak Welsh”. I was embarrassed every time I was asked. But the truth was the real reason I didn’t speak Welsh was that I had never bothered to learn.
Trade unions – bringing people together
I’ve written previously about the impact of coronavirus on the BME community, anti-Semitism, and anti-Chinese racism. This week I’m looking at something a lot more positive – the role of trade unions in tackling the far-right.
I am not a virus – anti-Chinese racism and coronavirus
The far-right are always seeking to normalise racist attitudes and behaviours. Legitimate criticism of the actions of the Chinese state have been hijacked. Chinese visitors and students, as well as UK citizens of Chinese or South-East Asian heritage, have been personally blamed for the pandemic.
An old libel – coronavirus & anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitic tropes, dating back to the Middle Ages, are being used by the far-right in the coronavirus age.
Hatred in the age of coronavirus
Coronavirus is, in many ways, showing the best of British. But alongside this humanity, we’ve seen a rise in hatred. Far-right extremists have tried to take advantage of coronavirus to spread division. They’re undermining our communities, our trade unions and our hard fought for rights.
Coronavirus - a turning point for cycling to work?
Wales is becoming a safer place to cycle. Local authorities have new funding to set up networks of segregated ‘pop-up’ cycleways and more people are getting out and about on their bikes.
Will this lead to a long-term change in the way we travel to work? And what can unions do to get employers to provide support and facilities for those who want to cycle?
Returning to Safe Workplaces in Wales
Whether working from home, already back at work or preparing to return, we’re all facing changing times. Shops, businesses and schools opening means that not only do we need to make sure our workplaces are safe but that our commutes are safe too.
A new job in a new world
I’ve recently joined the Wales TUC team so have first-hand experience of the challenges a new starter faces, and the bizarre circumstances they will need to adjust to. I’ve put together some advice on how to navigate the strange waters of a starting a new job during the coronavirus.
Live to learn, learn to live
I hated school and formal education but have found a passion for learning now, my story proves it's never too late.
Our vision for a green recovery after coronavirus
Building the recovery from Coronavirus is a once in a generation challenge. But it is also an opportunity that must be seized.
Coronavirus lockdown: what health and safety reps can do
The Covid-19 pandemic has upended normal working practices, especially for trade union health and safety reps. Whether working from home or as key workers, everyone is facing new and often difficult ways of working.
Six tips for better communication with workers with an Autism Spectrum Condition
If you’ve got colleagues with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) then World Autism Awareness Week (30 March – 5 April) is a good time to think about how you communicate in the workplace.
Learn something new from home during coronavirus
We are all spending more time indoors at the moment. Perhaps you’re self-isolating, working from home or furloughed. Use this time to learn some thing new using an online course.
How do we look after our mental health during the coronavirus crisis?
We’re in new and unprecedented times. Bombarded with stories of a mystery virus leaving a trail of destruction throughout the world and ending up in our communities. We’re panicked, our shelves are empty, our stomping grounds are getting smaller and our relationships are being tested. How are we expected to process what’s going on, let alone thrive through it?
Mother’s Day – supporting working mothers in the workplace and at home
Working mothers are present in every workplace across the UK balancing their work with their share of child care duties. But Covid-19 is putting extra strain on working mothers across Wales as they navigate home schooling, working from home, or a key worker job whilst still feeling the emotional burden of their share of caring for loved ones.
3 reasons why you should work your proper hours
Friday 28 February is the TUC’s 16th annual Work Your Proper Hours Day. On this day we raise awareness of the billions of pounds worth of unpaid overtime worked in the UK every year.
6 tips for negotiating with your employer/management team
Negotiating with management can be a scary prospect. Asking for ‘more’ or ‘better’ is a vital part of trade union activity but it often makes people feel awkward or as if they are making trouble. On top of that, management generally have more power – including the power to say ‘no’ to your demands – and are often experienced negotiators.
