Wales TUC is hosting a discussion at the Eisteddfod (Societies Pavilion 2) on the topic of ‘Equality: Fair work, Welsh language rights in the workplace and Welsh communities’.

The discussion will focus on how unions and employers in Wales can work in partnership with others on a strategic and practical basis to promote Welsh language rights in the workplace.

The Welsh Government, Wales TUC and employers are already working in ‘social partnership’ with the aim of creating a "more equal, fair and just Wales", with fair work as an integral part of it. Freedom to use Welsh is a fundamental part of fair work and equality in the workplace.

‘Fair work’ promotes visible and inclusive working conditions that respect workers’ rights. As part of the equality agenda, Welsh language rights in the workplace involve the principles of fairness and justice. Equally, the freedom to communicate in Welsh with another individual who wishes to do so is a civil right that belongs to all – individuals and workers – and one should be able to do this without interference nor disadvantage. The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 gave everyone the freedom to use Welsh and official status to the Welsh language in Wales.

But, healthy communities are reliant on sustainable work, fair wages and reasonable living conditions, which include housing and food, and this is the only way Welsh can flourish in the long term as a natural language.

What will we discuss?

The panel members will discuss equality in the context of fair work, Welsh language rights in the workplace and Welsh communities and will express their viewpoints on:

• The current context
• Which aspects are concerning or should be focused on to strengthen and develop the current situation?
• Which aspects are satisfying and confirm positive developments?
• What should the main priorities be within the world of unions, workplaces, movements and organisations to progress the Welsh agenda in the workplace?  

The audience is welcome to participate and contribute to the discussion.

Who is this event for?

All visitors going to the Eisteddfod are welcome to join us in our live and exciting discussion - including those campaigning for fair rights and equality for the Welsh language in the workplace and impacts on Welsh communities; as well as those who are passionate and interested in general in fair work, Welsh language rights in the workplace and Welsh communities.

Simultaneous translation will be available.

Speakers

	Siân Gale, Wales TUC President Elect, Chair of the Wales TUC Equalities Committee and Skills and Development Manager for Prospect (Bectu sector). Siân started her career in broadcasting and became a Union Representative in her twenties. She held the position of Chair of the South Wales Freelance branch of Bectu for many years. Since 2008 she has been working with the creative unions running a bilingual, all-Wales learning programme, CULT Cymru (Creative Unions Learning Together) mainly funded via the Wales Union Learning Fund. She is also a Non-Executive Board Member of Creative Wales. Siân is a long-standing member of the Wales TUC General Council where she continues to champion the cause of freelance and atypical workers. Siân is passionate about equality, diversity, the Welsh language and skills.
	Efa Gruffudd Jones,  Welsh Language Commissioner Throughout her career, Efa has combined her interest in the arts and the Welsh language. She has worked for the Welsh Language Board and the Arts Council of Wales before being appointed as the Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru in 2004 – the largest youth movement in Wales. In 2016, she was appointed as the Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Most recently, in 2023, Efa was appointed as the Welsh Language Commissioner and states that she wishes to ensure that the powers of the Commissioner are being used to their full potential, that the Welsh language is used increasingly, and that the Commissioner plays a key role in the efforts to secure a prosperous future for the Welsh language.
	Robat Idris, President of Cymdeithas yr Iaith  Robat is the Chair of The Welsh Language Society elected in the General Meeting in 2022. Over the years he has been, and still remains an active member of many movements and of community and national campaigns including Pobl Atal Wylfa B, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Undod and SAIL. Robat is passionate about creating a society that gives opportunities for everyone to have lives free from injustice, violence, poverty, war and environmental destruction, and in these times, there is more need than ever to realise these desires.
	Ioan Rhys Jones General Secretary for UCAC Ioan has been the General Secretary for UCAC since 2022 - the only labour union that works through the medium of the Welsh language. He was the North Wales Officer for UCAC for four years prior to this and after teaching History and Politics in Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Wrexham. He is passionate about Welsh language education, fair working conditions for teachers and the rights to work through the medium of Welsh whenever possible.
	Dr Dyfrig Jones, Bangor University UCU Branch President, Member of the UCU UK Working Committee and Senior Lecturer in Film, Bangor University. Dyfrig has a special interest in the way in which the Welsh Government are trying to form new ways of co-working between unions and employers, and is keen to see the new model of special partnership being extended to higher education.

We want everyone attending TUC events to have a safe and enjoyable experience. If you require any adjustments or assistance to participate at this event, please let us know.

Simultaneous translation will be available at this event.