Wales Blog listing
'37' blogs listed
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.
How will Wales keep up with the EU after Brexit?
How will Wales keep pace with the EU on labour standards after Brexit? And are we aiming high enough?
Tackling the far right - a view from Wales
Tackling the far right is an issue for all of us who care about freedom, equality and community over division. It's an issue for all us in the trade union movement.
Next steps for Social Partnership in Wales
The Welsh Government is legislating to strengthen social partnership and to create a platform to deliver fair work in Wales.
Six steps to better mental health at work
Blue Monday may be a marketing ploy, but the start of a new year can be a hard time for many workers.
What has austerity meant for Wales?
Austerity is mentioned all the time in election coverage, but what’s been the impact on Wales?
The use of zero-hours contracts in Wales is out of control. It's time to ban them.
The number of zero-hours contracts in Wales is higher than ever and jumped 35% in the last year alone. It's time for a ban.
