Fringe guide - Congress 2017
Download Fringe guide (PDF)
SUNDAY EVENING
19.00
Heathrow Expansion
RECEPTION
Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport, is the UK’s biggest port by value for non-EU trade and a cornerstone of our economy. It is also one of the largest single sites of employment in the country, with 76,000 people employed on site. Our expansion plans, which will deliver up to 180,000 jobs and 10,000 apprenticeships, are supported by the TUC, and some of the country’s largest unions, including Unite and GMB. As we deliver Britain’s new runway, we will work together with trade unions to help build an economy that is sustainable, open to the world, and creates secure careers nationwide.
Speakers: Paul Nowak, Deputy General Secretary, TUC; further speakers tbc
Chair: Paula Stannett, Chief People Officer, Heathrow
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided
19.00
Institute of Employment Rights/Campaign for Trade Union Freedom
PREPARING FOR POWER: LABOUR RIGHTS UNDER A LABOUR GOVERNMENT
The Labour Party Manifesto 2017 caught the popular imagination and inspired a new generation of voters. Turning those ideas into practical proposals is the next step along the path to power. Come and hear IER and CTUF’s ideas for labour rights under a labour government
Speakers: Prof. Keith Ewing, IER/CTUF; Dr. Lydia Hayes, IER/Cardiff University; John Hendy QC, IER/CTUF; Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite; John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor.
Chair: tbc
Venue: Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road
Refreshments provided
19.30
Unite
PROTECTING MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKERS
Venue: Regency Suite, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton seafront
MONDAY LUNCHTIME
12.45
ASLEF
WORKERS’ RIGHTS ARE UNIVERSAL,
TIME TO INCLUDE SEX WORKERS
Workers in the sex industry do not have the same rights as workers in other industries in the UK. This fringe meeting will discuss whether it is time to decriminalise sex work and better regulate the industry. It will also consider what the trade union movement’s response should be.
Speakers: Laura Watson, English Collective of Prostitutes; Georgina Perry, National Ugly Mugs; GMB speaker tbc
Chair: Debbie Reay, Chair of ASLEF Women’s Representative Committee
Venue: Regent Room, Grand Hotel, Kings Road
Lunch will be provided
12.45
Electoral Reform Society
IS IT TIME FOR UNIONS TO BACK ELECTORAL REFORM?
June saw the third general election in a row where Westminster’s voting system failed to do what it says on the tin – produce a ’strong’ government. Parties were again forced to focus on a handful of largely wealthier ’marginals’ – meaning the millions of people in safe seats could effectively be ignored by the political parties. And 3.5m Labour votes in Labour-winning constituencies were wasted – they didn’t go to electing an MP. Yet the labour movement has often been at the forefront of democratic reform. Hear progressive perspectives on the difference a fair voting system can make – and how unions can be part of a radical and inspiring agenda for equality at the ballot box.
Speakers: Howard Beckett, Unite; Jess Garland, Electoral Reform Society; Liz Snape, UNISON; Cat Smith MP Chair: Darren Hughes, Electoral Reform Society
Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre
12.45
Gamble Aware
PROBLEMATIC GAMBLING IN THE WORKPLACE: AN ISSUE FOR TRADE UNIONS
There is a need for trade unions and employers to get more involved and engage over the issue of problematic gambling. This is the conclusion of Unite and GambleAware. Over the past year Unite has looked to address the issue through employer engagement, signposting workers to support and raising awareness through organising the first national conference to look at the problem. The ambition is for trade unions and employers to give problematic gambling parity of awareness with drugs and alcohol in the workplace. This fringe meeting will give delegates an insight into how Unite and other trade unions can support members and workers going forward.
Speakers: Steve Craig, Unite National Development Officer; Iain Corby, Deputy Chief Executive, GambleAware; Neil Platt, Clinical Director, Beacon Counselling Trust; Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health, Sefton and Knowsley Council.
Chair: Jim Mowatt: Director of Education, Unite
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre
Lunch will be available
12.45
Trade Union Co-ordinating Group
PAY AND PRIVATISATION
Privatisation and cuts in pay, terms and conditions for those delivering public services have been the key principles of the Tories’ austerity agenda for the last seven years. Despite the impact of the cuts and the heroic role played by emergency service staff and public servants in the appalling Grenfell Tower tragedy and the devastating terrorist attacks in London and Manchester, that policy remains in place. The TUCG will be at the forefront of the campaign to defend public services and ensure those who deliver them receive the pay they deserve.
Speakers: Matt Wrack, General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Mick Cash, General Secretary, RMT; Joanna de Groot, UCU President Chair: Steve Gillan, General Secretary, Prison Officers’ Association
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
12.45
Trade Unions Against the EU
IS SOCIALIST PLANNING COMPATIBLE WITH THE SINGLE MARKET?
What is the nature of the single market? Out of the EU must mean out of its main platform, the single market. This will create great opportunities for progressive planning and rebuilding of industry and public services. Surely, the TUC must embrace Brexit. Come along and discuss.
Speakers: Kelvin Hopkins, MP; Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF; Paul Embery, National Organiser, TUAEU
Chair: Jacqui Johnson, former President, UCU
Venue: Old Ship Hotel, King’s Road
Refreshments available
12.55–14.15
TUC Digital Hub
GETTING YOUR BLOGS PUBLISHED (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
Want to get your writing in front of a wider audience? In this session, hosted by top bloggers from LabourList and Left Foot Forward, we’ll offer tips on what editors are looking for and on crafting the perfect pitch, to get them to feature your story.
Speakers: Josiah Mortimer, Left Foot Forward and Emma Bean, LabourList
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
13.20
TUC Digital Hub
HOW WELL IS YOUR UNION REALLY DOING ONLINE? (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
A look at ways to measure the performance of websites and social media channels, comparing the TUC affiliated unions. See how well your union is really performing online, and get the tips and the future trends you need to be aware of.
Speaker: Simon Parry, TUC Virtual Chief Information Officer
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
13.45
TUC Digital Hub
MAKING OUR UNIONS MORE DIGITALREADY (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
The digital age offers huge opportunities to unions, but we’ll have to make big changes in how we work if we want to take them. IT strategist Stephen Pye helped create the TUC’s Digital Healthcheck tool. He’ll share tips on how to assess your union’s digital maturity level and how to make plans for the future.
Speaker: Stephen Pye, Acert Associates
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
12.45
TUC Race Relations Committee and CLASS LET’S TALK ABOUT RACE AND CLASS
When we think of a typical working-class person in the UK, we are likely to think of a white man emerging from a coal mine. But working-class people in 2017 are more likely to work in call centres than coal mines, more likely to be women, and more likely than middle class people to be BAME. The fringe meeting will discuss the reality of today’s working class, and why it’s essential to update our cultural image in the fight against economic and social inequality, the reality of everyday racism and consider how trade unionists can respond to tackle the racial harassment and institutional
racism taking place in workplaces.
This fringe is open to all delegates.
Speakers: Faiza Shaheen, Director,
CLASS; Omar Khan, Runnymede Trust; Wilf Sullivan, TUC; plus one other tbc Chair: Gloria Mills, Chair, TUC Race Relations Committee
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton Centre
Lunch will be provided
12.45
TUC Young Workers’ Forum
YOUNG WORKERS AND APPRENTICESHIPS: BROKEN SYSTEM OR UNPOLISHED GEM?
The meeting will discuss the experience of young workers and apprenticeships and highlight why it’s one of the Young Worker Forum campaigns.
Speakers: Craig Dawson, Chair, TUC Young Workers’ Forum; Iain Murray, TUC Chair: Craig Dawson, Chair, TUC Young Workers’ Forum
Venue: Room 6, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided
12.45
Unions 21
GETTING THE WORKPLACE READY FOR BREXIT
The government’s trigger of Article 50 to exit the European Union marked the beginning of a serious challenge for the union movement. We are now beginning the process of understanding what all the negotiations and policy implications will have on our economy, industries and members. In this landscape, how do unions ensure that good work remains the cornerstone of the UK economy and not just an aspiration? Unions 21 is launching our newest project, Getting The Workplace Ready for Brexit, which will explore all the internal and external considerations unions will need to address to ensure we remain a positive force within the UK economy.
Speaker: Mike Clancy, General Secretary, Prospect; Gil Walton, Royal College of Midwives
Chair: Sue Ferns, Chair, Unions 21
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre
12.30
Unite
TRADING AWAY THE UK: CAN WE TRUST THE TORIES ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE?
Venue: Regency Suite, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton seafront
MONDAY EVENING
17.45
Communication Workers Union
NEW POLITICS, NEW TRADE UNIONISM
The general election showed that the Labour Party is being transformed. A bold manifesto and the beginnings of a 600,000 strong mass movement are delivering a new kind of politics. At the same time, last year saw the biggest decline in trade union membership on record. So now we need a new kind of trade unionism. How we deal with the explosion of insecure employment, address falling trade union membership, meet the challenges of automation and make the world of work the number one political issue in the UK.
Speakers: Dave Ward, General Secretary, CWU; Tim Roache, General Secretary, GMB; Owen Jones; Faiza Shaheen, CLASS.
Chair: Kevin McGuire, The Mirror.
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre
17.45
Cuba Solidarity Campaign and Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
TRUMP, US BLOCKADE AND INTERVENTION: SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA AND VENEZUELA!
Donald Trump’s new administration poses a variety of threats to Cuba, Venezuela and the Latin America region. In June 2017 Trump announced his new Cuba policy that further strengthens elements of the 55-year-old blockade of the island. In Venezuela, he has extended sanctions and publicly called for ’regime change.’ Find out why international solidarity is crucial in light of these threats and what we can to stand up to Trump.
Speakers: H. E. Teresita Vicente, Cuban Ambassador; H. E. Rocio Maniero, Venezuelan Ambassador; Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union; Rob Miller, Director, Cuba Solidarity Campaign; Dr Francisco Dominguez, Secretary, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
Chair: Diana Holland, Unite Assistant General Secretary
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton Centre
Havana Club cocktails will be provided
18.00
GMB/UCU
WOMEN TRADE UNIONISTS NETWORKING EVENT
All women delegates welcome. Please join us for a drink, nibble and a chat. There is no fixed agenda, just trade union women getting together. The venue is left as you leave Congress and along the Kings Road past the Odeon. Ship Street is the third street on the left.
Venue: Hotel du Vin, 2 Ship Street
17.45
Nuclear Industry Association
BRITAIN’S ENERGY FUTURE POST-BREXIT
Trade union, Labour and industry speakers will look at the energy choices needed to meet energy requirements in a secure sustainable and affordable way and the implications of these decisions for employment and the environment.
Speakers: Mike Clancy, General Secretary, Prospect; Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association; Rebecca Long-Bailey, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Chair: Kevin Coyne, National Officer, Unite Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre
Refreshments available
17.35
TUC Digital Hub
AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
How can you use some of the big social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to boost your union’s campaigns? What kind of content can you create, for what audience? Get a crashcourse on the rules of engagement on social media – and how to make the best of it.
Speaker: Riz Hussain, TUC
Social Media Officer
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
18.00
TUC Digital Hub
WRITING FOR THE WEB (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
We have more opportunities to publish our writing than ever before. But in a crowded online space, how can you make your blogs stand out? In this session, we’ll explore how to tailor a story to the web, from developing an idea, to structuring a blog, to writing the perfect headline.
Speaker: Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin, TUC Digital Content Editor
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
17.30
Unite
THE BATTLE OF GRANGEMOUTH – A WORKER’S STORY
Venue: Regency Suite, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton seafront
17.45
War on Want, Migrants Rights Network & Institute of Employment Rights
LIVING ON THE MARGINS: THE FIGHT FOR MIGRANT WORKER RIGHTS IN A PRECARIOUS WORLD
Migrants have often been blamed for the assault on working conditions brought about by precarious contracts, outsourcing and privatisation. In reality, migrant workers have suffered its worst consequences. With Brexit, the call to ’control our borders’ risks being used to not only restrict freedom of movement but to undermine the rights of migrant workers. With the Taylor review failing to mark a shift away from precarious work, how do we ensure that Brexit doesn’t trigger a race to the bottom that harms everyone?
Speakers: Dr. Lydia Hayes, University of Cardiff / Institute of Employment Rights; Fizza Qureshi, Migrants’ Rights Network; Asad Rehman, War on Want; Diane Abbot MP, Labour Party; Kamaljeet Jandu, GMB.
Chair: Owen Jones, The Guardian
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
TUESDAY LUNCHTIME
12.45
Justice For Colombia
WILL THERE BE JUSTICE FOR COLOMBIA?
After three and a half years imprisoned on false charges, Colombian trade union leader Huber Ballesteros was finally released in January 2017. Justice for Colombia, with the support of the TUC and its affiliated unions, played a key role in securing his freedom. Come and hear firsthand about
the current situation for trade unionists in Colombia, recent developments in the Colombian peace process and the ongoing threats to trade unionists and activists despite the historic advances towards peace.
Speakers: Huber Ballesteros, Colombian Trade Union Leader and former Political Prisoner; Stephen Cavalier, CEO, Thompsons Solicitors; Mariela Kohon, Director, Justice for Colombia
Chair: Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
Lunch provided
12.45
Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
TIME4PR: WHAT DO TRADE UNIONS THINK?
Labour needs to refresh its democracy. Voting reform will assist its renewal. Already conversations are happening at meetings and events around Britain to address the voting system so beloved by the Tories – see their 2017 Manifesto. Trade unions can help make the change so they can influence government all the time, not just when Labour is in government.
Speakers: Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South and LCER Vice Chair; Howard Beckett, Assistant General Secretary, Unite (in a personal capacity); Sam Tarry, TSSA; Nancy Platt, former Trade Union Liaison Manager for Jeremy Corbyn; Amelia Womack, Deputy Leader, the Green
Party; Mary Southcott, Parliamentary & Political Officer, LCER; further speakers tbc.
Chair: Billy Hayes, former General Secretary, CWU and LCER Trade Union Officer
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
Lunch will be provided
12.45
Morning Star
WHERE NEXT FOR THE LABOUR MOVEMENT?
A resurgent Labour Party came within a whisker of defeating the Tories at the general election, and is now the government in waiting. In the meantime, workers remain hamstrung by antiunion legislation and a lack of sectoral collective bargaining. How can we rebuild the movement to face fresh challenges that lie ahead? Come and hear Morning Star editor Ben Chacko and others set out their perspectives. Plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Speakers: Ben Chacko, Editor, Morning Star; plus trade union and international speakers
Chair: Bob Oram, Chair, Morning Star Management Committee
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre
12.45
National Education Union
SCHOOL CUTS – WHAT’S THE DAMAGE?
Join us to debate the impact of the biggest cuts to education funding in a generation.
Speakers: Angela Rayner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education (invited); Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union; Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union; Representative from the Fair Funding for all Schools Campaign
Chair: tbc
Venue: Restaurant, Brighton Centre
Refreshments provided
12.45
PCS
TOGETHER WE CAN BREAK THE PAY CAP
After seven years of pay restraint, and with inflation rising, our members need a pay rise. If we campaign together we have the best chance of breaking the 1% pay cap. Hear speakers representing members from across the public sector call for a united campaign to defeat the public sector pay cap.
Speakers: Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite; Max Hyde, Past President, NUT; Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU
Chair: Janice Godrich, President, PCS
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton centre
Refreshments provided
12.55
TUC Digital Hub
THE FUTURE OF UNION LEARNING (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
e-learning is making it easier for thousands of union activists to grow in their roles and to keep their skills up to date. Get a preview of the TUC’s latest generation of e-learning resources, and find out where union learning is headed in the digital age.
Speakers: Anna Kalsi and Ian
Sheeler, TUC Education
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
13.20
TUC Digital Hub
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL VIDEOS
(DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
Social videos are rapidly taking over the internet for activism and campaigning. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook make it even easier to get your message out to your followers on social. So where are we going with social videos in the future? Discover the possibilities and
work out how they could help your union.
Speaker: Riz Hussain, TUC Social Media Officer
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
13.45
TUC Digital Hub
SECRETS OF PERSUASIVE ONLINE PETITIONS (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
Why use petitions? What makes a petition successful? Find out the many ways petitions can help your campaigns. Beth Granter of online community Care2 offers tips on how to create an effective petition that will build support for your issue.
Speaker: Beth Granter, Care2 Campaigner
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
12.45
TUC Equalities fringe
WHERE NEXT FOR THE EQUALITY AGENDA – TACKLING INSECURE WORK
Advancing the equality agenda should be at the heart of trade unions campaigning against insecure work. Drawing on their own experiences and research, speakers will focus on the challenges we face and the opportunities we have to organise effectively, combat insecurity and protect our rights
at work. Followed by a Q&A discussion.
Speakers: Hannah Reed, Senior Employment Rights Officer, TUC; Owen Jones, author, columnist and activist; Ronnie Draper, General Secretary, BFAWU; other speakers tbc
Chair: tbc
Venue: Room 6, Brighton Centre
12.45
UNISON
A UK PROGRESSIVE MIGRATION POLICY PROTECTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS
In the context of Brexit, the Free Movement of people has found itself at the top of the political agenda – in parliaments, political movements and trade unions. But the debate has become narrow and negative, and dominated by anti-migrant propaganda. The Alliance for Free Movement has launched a series of events and campaigns in partnership with a variety of organisations, unions and campaigns to promote a wider informative debate on what a UK progressive migration policy would look like post-Brexit. How can we promote a progressive migration policy and protect all workers’ rights at the same time?
Speakers: Diane Abbott MP; Christina McAnae, Assistant General Secretary, UNISON; Luke Cooper, Another Europe is Possible; Klara Skrivankova, Anti Slavery International; Agata Adamowicz, Ritzy Cinema Strike Chair: Hugh Lanning, Alliance for Freedom of Movement
Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre
12.30
Unite
GOOD WORK? – HOW THE TAYLOR REVIEW FAILS INSECURE WORKERS
Venue: Regency Suite, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton seafront
12.45
Unite the union/ Peace in Kurdistan and Freedom for Ocalan campaign
RESISTING DICTATORSHIP IN TURKEY AND BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC ALTERNATIVE IN SYRIA – THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE KURDS IN DEFINING A NEW MIDDLE EAST
As Turkey slides towards authoritarian and dictatorial rule under Erdogan it is more important than ever that unions and wider society build real and effective solidarity with trade unions and all progressive forces to resist it. The Kurdish political movement has long been at the centre of
the struggle for democracy, tolerance and inclusiveness in Turkey and it is vital that we strengthen our links with those forces in this critical time. It is also vital that we recognise the crucial role that Kurdish forces have played in the fight against Daesh in Syria and the unique opportunity that now exists to create a real, democratic and inclusive society. Join the discussion.
Speakers: Michelle Allison, KurdistanNational Congress (KNK) women representative; Elif Sarican, Kurdistan Students’ Union; Christine Blower, NUT International Secretary; Stephen Smellie, Branch Secretary, UNISON South Lanarkshire; Doug Nicholls, General Secretary, General Federation of Trade Unions.
Chair: Simon Dubbins, International Director, Unite.
Venue: Regent Room, Grand Hotel
TUESDAY EVENING
5.45pm
Stand Up to Racism
CONFRONTING THE RISE IN RACISM
Venue: The Albert Room at The Grand Hotel
17.45
Campaign against Climate Change
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE: JOBS AND A SAFE CLIMATE
As the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt, urgent action is needed. Yet May’s weak and divided government puts deregulation first. But the Campaign Against Climate Change believes that another world is possible, with workers leading the transition to a low carbon economy. So how can we ensure trade unions move beyond false divisions of jobs versus the environment? And how do we take a proactive role in creating new climate jobs and prioritising the needs and rights of workers in the transition?
Speakers: Chris Baugh, Assistant General Secretary, PCS; Diana Holland, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade
Chair: Suzanne Jeffrey, Campaign Against Climate Change
Venue: Room 1a, Brighton Centre
18.00
Communist Party
WHAT KIND OF EU EXIT?
Fringe meeting for TUC delegates with speakers from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. All welcome. Ground floor with disabled access.
Speakers: tbc
Chair: tbc
Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street
17.45
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres
THE STORY OF HIDDEN EXPLOITATION
The Sports Direct campaign shone a light on the abysmal working conditions in their Derbyshire Warehouse. As a result of this, and years of anecdotal evidence, the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres, Chesterfield Unite Community, Sheffield Hallam and Salford Universities have now
put all sectors under the microscope to find the stories of those unable to raise a grievance for fear of loss of hours or jobs. Together we have produced a report that tells the story of hidden exploitation. Come along and hear the evidence and join in the discussion. Now is the time to act!
Speakers: Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary, Unite; Professor Helen Richardson, Sheffield Hallam University; Dr Daiga Kamerade, University of Salford; Owen Espley, War on Want Economic Justice Campaigner.
Chair: Colin Hampton, Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ centres.
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre
Food and Drink available, sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors
18.30
Labour Representation Committee
TORIES OUT! UNITE OUR MOVEMENT TO DEFEAT AUSTERITY
Britain is a more unequal society than at any time since WW2. With global capitalism in control of the political agenda there is an urgent need for a major shift of wealth and power in favour of ordinary people. Come along to our TUC 2017 Fringe meeting and hear the case for workers’ rights, civil
liberties and the political representation of the working class. The LRC is a democratic organisation committed to fighting for a socialist future.www.l-r-c.org.uk.
Speakers: Matt Wrack, FBU; Mark Serwotka, PCS; Maria Exall, CWU; Ronnie Draper, BFAWU; ASLLF Women’s Committee; Laura Watson, ECP; Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown (invited)
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street BN1 1AF
17.45
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
JUSTICE NOW – MAKE IT RIGHT FOR PALESTINE
For the past 100 years Palestinian rights have been disregarded. As we approach the centenary of the Balfour Declaration – on the 2nd November – which built the path for their dispossession, we are demanding justice and equal rights for Palestinians now. Come along to the PSC fringe meeting to hear about the current situation in Palestine, and how to support the campaign to mobilise for the national march and rally: Justice Now! Make it right for Palestine, on Saturday 4 November in central London.
Speakers: Aimee Shalan, CEO, Medical Aid for Palestinians; Ben Jamal, Director, Palestine Solidarity Campaign; Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF; Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS; Hugh Lanning, Chair, Palestine Solidarity Campaign; Paul Glover, Chair UNISON International Committee
Chair: Philipa Harvey, NEU/ TUC General Council
Venue: Room 1b, Brighton Centre
17.35
TUC Digital Hub
EMAIL: THE MOST EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN TOOL FOR UNIONS? (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
All of us send and receive loads of emails every day. Many get ignored. So what makes a great email? How can you ensure that your Campaign email is opened, read, and acted upon? We’ll learn how to turbocharge our campaigns using emails.
Speaker: Ali Torabi, TUC Digital Campaigner
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor,
Brighton Centre
18.00
TUC Digital Hub
TUC TOOLS FOR YOUR CAMPAIGNS (DIGITAL SKILLSHARE)
The TUC operates a campaigning platform for affiliates. It can help run online petitions and identify supporters or potential members for union campaigns. We’ll show the tools and outline how they could help your union or branch, using practical examples.
Speaker: John Wood, TUC Digital Manager
Venue: Stand 76, First Floor, Brighton Centre
17.45
TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee
LAUNCH OF DISABLED PEOPLE’S SUMMIT
Disabled People have been fighting for their right for independent living for over 45 years. Since 2010 austerity cuts have been used to erode disabled people’s access to social care and other vital services. The Disabled Workers Committee invites you to the launch of a Disabled People’s Summit
to be held later in the autumn which will bring together organisations of disabled people to plan how we can re-establish our rights effectively.
Speakers: Ellen Clifford, Reclaiming Our Futures Alliance; Fran Heathcote, PCS; Angela Hamilton, Unison; Sharon Rose, Disability Advice Centre Chair: Sean McGovern, Co-chair, TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee
Venue: Room 8, Brighton Centre