Fringe events - Congress 2025
PLEASE NOTE: The fringes marked are not being held in the Brighton Centre. The TUC is not responsible for the organisers’ arrangements.
Sunday evening
18:30 (or end of Congress session)
The Climate Crisis is a Working Class Issue - building a year of trade union climate action
Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group and Greener Jobs Alliance
The climate crisis is already here, threatening the lives and livelihoods of working-class people. In the year of trade union climate action, supported by TUC, we urgently need to challenge the right-wing narrative of climate action as a threat to working people,
making it clear it is climate breakdown which poses the real threat. We need to empower people to take actions in workplaces and to join wider campaigns calling for solutions to the climate crisis: climate jobs, cheap clean renewable energy and warm homes, affordable public transport and more – a movement based in global solidarity and rooted in local communities.
Speakers
- Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
- Sarah Kilpatrick, NEU
- Suzanne Jeffery CACCTU
- Miranda Irwin, Heat Strike
- Liz Wheatley, UNISON
- Chaired by Tahir Latif, Greener Jobs Alliance
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre
18:30 (or end of Congress session)
Building a Pro-Worker AI Future
TUC Organising and Growth Hub
Predictions and speculation loom large on how AI is already or will affect workers. In this session, we’ll introduce some of the key debates, political context and practical tools for understanding, negotiating and advocating to make AI work for workers.
Speakers
- Adam Cantwell-Corn, TUC
- Chaired by Adam Cantwell-Corn
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre (drinks provided)
19:00 (or end of Congress session)
Defeating the Narratives of Division - securing rights for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people
CWU Southwest Region, Unite and Southwest Region and FBU
The TUC Trade Unions for Trans and Non-Binary Alliance, in collaboration with Brighton Trans Pride, are hosting this fringe to talk about how the trade union movement, grass roots organisations and allies can work together to secure rights for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people against increasingly hostile narratives used by an emboldened right.
Speakers
- TUC, TUC LGBT+ Committee, Brighton
- Trans Pride and others
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street. Brighton BN1 1AF (Coffee, tea and biscuits)
End of Congress session
Finishing the Job: Forward to Employment Rights #2 Bill
Institute of Employment Rights (IER) and CTUF
The Employment Rights Bill is an important first step in strengthening labour law, however there is more work to be done. Come join us to hear from our legal experts and leading trade unionists, about the need to look forward to an Employment Rights #2 Bill, the need for the strengthening of collective bargaining rights for the trade union movement and the complete ban on zero-hour contracts.
Speakers
- Lord John Hendy KC, IER/CTUF
- Eddie Dempsey, RMT
- Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
- Chaired by James Harrison, IER
Venue: Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton BN2 1TW (refreshments provided)
20:30 (until late)
GFTU Social: Fish and chips on the pier *
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU)
Following the Institute of Employment Rights fringe, join GFTU for the Sunday social with a chance to catch up with comrades over the best fish and chips in town, situated at Horatio’s on Brighton Pier.
- Chaired by Gawain Little, GFTU
Venue: Horatio’s, Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW
Monday lunchtime
12:45
An Energy Jobs Plan to Futureproof British Industry
Green Party of England and Wales
An event to explore delivering an energy jobs plan to futureproof British industry and secure a livelihood for oil and gas workers in good green jobs. The UK’s climate commitments are under attack. Both Conservatives and Reform are selling the lie that tackling climate change will be bad for workers. In response, our movements need to seize back the narrative on ‘net zero’. We need to put workers in the driving seat and formulate bold, popular policies that will address the climate emergency and transform people’s lives for the better. Join Carla Denyer and others to discuss how we do just that.
Speakers
- Carla Denyer MP (Green Party of England and Wales) and others from across labour and environmental movements
- Chaired by Carla Denyer MP
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre
12:45
Beyond the Employment Rights Bill - how employers and trade unions can work together to make work pay
Prospect
The Employment Rights Bill is the core piece of legislation from Labour’s first year in office and a key pillar in the government’s drive for economic growth and improved prosperity for British workers.
This discussion will look at what needs to happen next to ensure the bill is a success, and how employers and unions, with the support of government, can work together to improve employment relations and partnership working to deliver shared success.
Speakers
- Alison McGovern MP
- Mike Clancy, Prospect
- Peter Cheese, CIPD
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
How Should Trade Unions Respond to the Rise of Reform UK?
HOPE not hate
“You all better be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly.” This was Nigel Farage’s message to county council workers following the 2025 local elections. Those working on climate change initiatives, or diversity, equity and inclusion, or who want to have flexible work from home options were told their jobs would be cut. Join our panel of experts to discuss how trade unions can respond to these industrial threats from the populist radical right.
Speakers (tbc)
Chaired by Deborah Reary, ASLEF
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
12:45
How to Tax the Super-Rich
War on Want
Inequality is soaring. In the next few years, the world will see the fi rst ever trillionaires – even as millions of people rely on foodbanks. Public services are crying out for investment. The climate crisis, to which the super-rich contribute more than anyone else, demands massive investment. Public and political pressure for an extreme wealth tax is rising – and could come to a head this
autumn. Join our panel to explore how we win a wealth tax on the super-rich?
Speakers
- Fran Heathcote, PCS
- Zack Polanski, Green Party MLA (invited)
- Nuri Syed Corser, War on Want
- Chaired by Nuri Syed Corser
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre
12:45
Organising Young Workers: how trade unions can tackle misogyny, combat the far right and build a movement for the future
TUC Young Workers and Women's Committees
Building on the interim findings from the TUC’s joint research with the IPPR and Hope not hate, the TUC Young Workers’ and Women’s Committees are hosting a fringe spotlighting the work unions are doing to organise young workers and challenge the rise of the far right in our workplaces and communities. This interactive fringe, kindly sponsored by Unite, GMB and NASUWT, will focus on sharing positive examples of workplace interventions and we encourage attendees to contribute.
Venue: Regent Room, The Grand Hotel (lunch and refreshments provided)
12:45
Restore Our NHS!
Socialist Health Association
NHS workers are overworked, burnt out and underpaid. The government says there’s no money for fair pay while private companies gain billions from the NHS, at the expense of its staff and patients. Privatisation widens health inequalities and leads to more deaths, yet the 10-year plan seems set to shunt even more money into corporate profit and dismantle our already fracturedhealth service beyond recognition. Bevan said the NHS “will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.” Come along and join the fight!
Speakers
- Jordan Rivera, UNISON
- Tabusam Ahmed, Unite
- Alex Gordon, RMT
- Dr Rathi Guhadasan, Socialist Health Association
- Chaired by Dr Rathi Guhadasan, Socialist Health Association
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre (refreshments available)
12:45
Restructuring the Economy - for investment not austerity
Trade Union Coordinating Group
If the chancellor persists in sticking to her self-imposed fiscal rules and refuses to consider taxing wealth, the price will inevitably be paid by working class communities – through a new wave of austerity. This fringe will look at the need to develop alternative strategies to restructure the UK economy – based on raising taxes on the wealthiest in society and increasing public investment, whilst developing a new industrial strategy and extending sectoral collective bargaining across the economy. How can the Government create new high-skilled, well-paid jobs through a just transition”, and how we do ensure that new technologies like AI are not deployed at the expense of workers? And how do we provide genuine social security for all in the 21st Century?
Speakers
- Richard Burgon MP
- Eddie Dempsey, RMT
- Steve Gillan, POA
- Fran Heathcote, PCS
- Rachael Maskell MP
- Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
- Chaired by Paul Fleming, Equity
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (lunch and refreshments provided)
12:45
Solidarity with Palestine confronting genocide and ending apartheid
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
The Palestinian people are facing the darkest hour in their enduring struggle for liberation. Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has killed many tens, if not hundreds of thousands and driven the population to the brink of mass starvation. In the West Bank, Israel continues its deadly military invasions and land grabs. The British government is openly assisting the unfolding genocide – including through the ongoing sale of weapons – while trying to criminalise and silence those standing up
for justice. Join us to hear about the current situation and how you and your unions can step up your actions in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Please visit the PSC stand in the exhibition area for more information.
Speakers
- Shaher Saed, PGFTU (Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions) (invited)
- Christina McAnea, UNISON
- Ben Jamal, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
- Fran Heathcote, PCS
- Daniel Kebede, NEU
- Mick Whelan, ASLEF
- Jo Grady, UCU
- Eddie Dempsey, RMT (invited)
- Chaired by Louise Regan, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and NEU EC
Venue: Meeting Room 1A/B, Brighton Centre (lunch provided)
12:45
The Voice of Working People at the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry
TUC and Thompsons Solicitors
Experts from the trade union movement, bereaved families’ support and the legal profession will provide reflections on the state of play in the UK Covid Inquiry, question what it has so far achieved and consider issues of accountability, decision-making and the recommendations the Inquiry might make to ensure we are better prepared were we to be hit by another pandemic. We will touch on healthcare, social care, government processes, vaccines, children and young people, procurement and the test, trace and isolate system. And we will ask: how successful was the economic response to the pandemic and what has been its lasting impact on society?
Speakers
- Kate Bell, TUC
- Naomi Fulop, Covid Bereaved Families for Justice
- Rachel Harrison, GMB
- Gerard Stilliard, Thompsons Solicitors
- Chaired by Nathan Oswin, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (lunch provided)
12:45
Workshop: Learn to make presenter videos to fight the far right
TUC Organising and Growth Hub
Learn to create great social media videos that fight the far right (no equipment needed, just your phone). As a movement we have to get the far right out of our workplaces and communities – and that means outsmarting them on TikTok and Instagram.
This hands-on workshop with VideoRev will teach participants to hook people fast, land your message clearly, and use simple tricks to keep audiences watching. Leave with practical skills and the tools to start regularly creating videos. Perfect for trade unionists ready to take their digital organising to the next level.
Speaker
- Richard Roaf, VideoRev
- Chaired by John Romagnoli, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre
Monday evening
17:45
Builders not Blockers
Prospect
Regulators are back in the political spotlight – and not in a good way. Protecting bats, newts, jumping spiders and fish discos have all been blamed for the UK’s failure to build homes and infrastructure. But while the headlines may be eye catching, ignoring the needs of nature cannot be the right solution. From Covid to climate change; from sewage outflows to transport safety; power outages to biosecurity, trade union members play an invaluable role in sustaining economic growth, not holding it back. This meeting will hear how experience from the frontline should inform a balanced debate – taking account of the need to address underfunding and for government to support a front foot enabling approach to regulation, national capacity and resilience.
Speakers
- Senior Labour politician
- Sue Ferns Prospect
- Paul McNamee, Labour Climate and Environment Forum
- further speakers tbc
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Hands Off Cuba! New threats from a second Trump presidency
Cuba Solidarity Campaign
Trump’s re-election signals a dangerous time for Cuba. The US blockade, now well into its seventh decade, is being tightened to unprecedented levels and the island is experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades with shortages in all areas of life. The Cuba Vive appeal, with the support of the British trade union movement, has raised over £190,000 to send life-saving medical aid to Cuba to tackle these shortages. Come along to hear how you can further support the appeal, hear firsthand reports from Cuba on the impact of the blockade and why international solidarity with the island is more important than ever.
Speakers
- Her Excellency Ismara Vargas Walter, Cuban Ambassador
- Fran Heathcote, PCS
- Steve Gillan, POA
- Kevin Courtney, CSC
- Mariela Kohon, TUC
- Micaela Tracey-Ramos, UNISON
- Stuart Latham, Thompsons
- Chaired by Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre
17:45
Peace is Trade Union Business - why we need an alternative defence strategy
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
The government’s Strategic Defence Review boasts that increased military spending is an “engine for growth driving jobs and prosperity”. But claims of a ‘jobs dividend’ are exaggerated and based on cuts to spending in international development, public services and our welfare state, while raising the stakes on nuclear proliferation. The Alternative Defence Review, a collaboration between CND and the RMT union, challenges the UK government’s narrative of “war fighting readiness” and job creation myth of defence spending, putting forward an alternative strategy for secure, unionised, socially useful jobs with a just transition for defence-dependent workers and communities. This meeting will discuss these proposals and need for a labour and peace movement campaign in support of a bold, alternative vision to militarisation.
Speakers
- Sophie Bolt, CND
- Alex Gordon, RMT
- additional speaker tbc
- Chaired by Professor Karen Bell, University of Glasgow
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre
17:45
Retrofit, Climate and Jobs: Why unions must lead
Fuel Poverty Action Group
Join this fringe event to discuss why retrofitting homes must be central to the trade union movement’s climate agenda. With the cost-of-living crisis, rising bills, damp homes and a heating planet, mass retrofit led by local authorities is vital to cut carbon, tackle fuel poverty, deliver quality training for young workers and create hundreds of thousands of secure, unionised green jobs. Kicking off the TUC’s Year of Climate, this session brings together Fuel Poverty Action, ACORN, Greener Jobs Alliance, Medact, frontline trade unionists and MPs to explore how we win the skills, training, tenant protections and investment needed for a just transition. Learn how the Retrofit for the Future campaign is fighting for a publicly funded, whole-house retrofit programme – and why unions must lead.
Speakers
- Stu Bretherton, Fuel Poverty Action
- Toby Sedgewick, ACORN
- Alex Merron UCU
- Jeremy Corbyn MP (invited)
- Andrea Egan, UNISON (invited)
- Carla Denyer MP (invited)
- Chaired by Paul Atkin, Greener Jobs Alliance
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre
17:45
Spycops: Undercover and unaccountable
Police Spies Out of Lives
For over forty years, covert police units spied on left-wing activists, trade unionists and family justice campaigns. The Metropolitan Police has admitted spying on over 1,000 groups. This scandal represents an assault on our democratic right to protest and organise. Institutionalised misogyny in the police resulted in the systematic targeting of women who were deceived into sexual relationships by undercover officers. The latest case was in 2021. Thousands spied on are unaware their names exist in secret police and MI5 files. Police Spies Out Of Lives is a campaign and support group of women affected by these abusive relationships. We are campaigning to prohibit undercover officers having sex with members of the public while on duty.
Speakers
‘Alison’ and ‘Lindsey’, Police Spies Out Of Lives
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Stop Putin, Stop Trump - another Ukraine is possible, free from occupation *
Ukraine Solidarity Campaign (fringe meeting sponsored by ASLEF and NUM)
Speakers
- Ukrainian trade union representatives and John McDonnell MP
- Chaired by Barbara Plant, GMB
Venue: Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road, BN1 1NR
17:45
The Future of the Trade Union Movement
Communication Workers Union
The trade union movement needs to move in a new direction to grow. For too long trade unions have fought, sometimes with each other, to organise increasingly small groups of workers, under increasingly punishing terms and conditions. Work has become fragmented, workforces stratified and the union movement has not been able to break through. The key to growing union power across different industries lies in unions making the decision to pursue sectoral collective bargaining and new models of trade unionism where we can work together like never before. Join the CWU, RMT and other unions to discuss the future of the trade union movement, reforming our institutions, a new political strategy and for radical action on sectoral-level collective bargaining agreements.
Speakers
- Dave Ward, CWU
- Eddie Dempsey RMT
- Jo Grady, UCU
- more to be announced
- Chaired by Chris Webb, CWU
Venue: Meeting Room 1A/B, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Worker-Centric Housing - how do we build 1.5 million homes for where workers want to live?
YIMBY Alliance
This Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million homes — but how do we ensure they’re built where workers want to live? With British workers enduring the longest commutes in western Europe, and too few homes being built in high-demand areas, the challenge is clear: deliver well-located, highquality homes with access to transport, schools, and public services. Join YIMBY Alliance’s discussion as we explore the priorities to make housing policy work for workers.
Speakers
Maggi Ferncombe, UNISON
Imogen Shaw, Labour Campaign for Childcare Reform
Matthew Boyd, GMB London Young Workers
Chaired by Kane Emerson, YIMBY Alliance
Venue: Meeting room 6, Brighton Centre
17:45
Workshop: Learn to make presenter videos to fight the far right
TUC Organising and Growth Hub
Learn to create great social media videos that fight the far right (no equipment needed, just your phone). As a movement we have to get the far right out of our workplaces and communities – and that means outsmarting them on TikTok and Instagram. This hands-on workshop with VideoRev will teach participants to hook people fast, land your message clearly, and use simple tricks to keep audiences watching. Leave with practical skills and the tools to start regularly creating videos. Perfect for trade unionists ready to take their digital organising to the next level.
Speaker
Richard Roaf, VideoRev
Chaired by John Romagnoli, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre
Tuesday lunchtime
12:45
Black Women Organising
CSP, NASUWT and GMB
Building on the TUC’s groundbreaking research into Black women’s experiences of sexual harassment, the TUC Race Relations Committee is hosting an interactive fringe session designed to help unions act. This session will explore practical ways to implement the report’s recommendations and empower ambassadors within unions to drive change. Kindly sponsored by the CSP, NASUWT and GMB, the fringe will highlight why addressing harassment is a priority for our movement, while giving voice to personal stories and insights from affi liates. Join us to engage, learn, and be part of shaping a safer, more inclusive workplace for all.
Speakers
Natasha Owusu, CSP
Mel Mullings, RMT
Taranjit Chana, GMB
Chaired by Farzana Jumma, GMB and Michelle Codrington-Rogers, NASUWT
Venue: The Restaurant, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Building a United Front: Can organised labour rebuild working-class power?
Morning Star
Labour have been in government for over a year, but they are haemorrhaging support in all directions as they fail to address the economic and social crisis. How can unions rebuild working-class power and play a central role in the emerging mass movements against austerity and for democratic rights? Join Morning Star editor Ben Chacko and a host of trade union leaders at this not-to-be-missed fringe meeting.
Speakers
Chaired by Ben Chacko, Morning Star
Fran Heathcote, PCS
Maryam Eslamdoust, TSSA
Steve Gillan, POA
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
Gawain Little, GTFU
Micaela Tracey-Ramos - UNISON NEC
Speakers TBC: Mick Whelan, ASLEF & Sharon Graham, UNITE
Venue: Syndicate 3, Brighton Centre
12:45
Building the Labour Movement's Economic Alternative
National Education Union
Join us to discuss how trade unions can lead the push for a new economic consensus, - an alternative to squeezed household incomes, rising prices, low growth, struggling public services and cuts. How unions can unite for change that means the richest and corporations pay their share, where rising incomes, investment in infrastructure, action on climate change and funding public services are possible – where we see spending on welfare not warfare.
Speakers
Daniel Kebede, NEU President
Dave Ward, CWU
other speakers tbc
Chaired by Sarah Kilpatrick, NEU
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Changing the Fiscal Mindset - a progressive economics for a progressive society
PCS
PCS is launching a series of progressive policies aimed at lobbying the UK Labour government to change track on its self-imposed fiscal approach. We believe the government needs to be more ambitious in delivering tax justice. We need a system that benefits everyone not just the wealthy few, that supports public services and gives people the power to spend money to grow the economy. Scrapping benefit cuts and fixing the broken social security system can deliver change for those that need it most, offering support, not sanctions, and lifting millions out of poverty Our policies can contribute towards a happier, healthier and fairer society and can deliver the growth this government says is its priority. Come and join the debate.
Speakers
Fran Heathcote, PCS
Lord Prem Sikka tbc
John McDonnell MP
Angela Grant, PCS
Chaired by Martin Cavanagh, PCS
Venue: Meeting Room 1A/B Brighton Centre (refreshments available)
12:45
Getting on Track for Net Zero - How rail freight can help us reach a greener future
ASLEF
One freight train produces 76 per cent less CO2 than the equivalent road journey. But just eight per cent of UK freight is moved by rail. Moving more freight by rail would be a major step towards the government meeting its climate obligations. With Great British Railways on the horizon, what can be done to unlock the local and national economic benefits of rail freight? Join speakers from across the labour movement as we set out the path to a rail freight future.
Speakers
Speakers from across the labour movement
Chair: Mick Whelan, ASLEF
Venue: West Bar, Brighton Centre (lunch and refreshments provided)
12:45
Socialist Economic Policies - the alternative to never ending cuts
Arise - a Festival of Left Ideas, Labour Assembly Against Austerity and Claim the Future
Ten years of Tory cuts devastated our public services, depressed wages and led to grotesque levels of poverty and inequality. Yet just over a year into the Labour government, austerity policies have continued, including disability benefit cuts, cutting the Winter Fuel Allowance and the failure to scrap the cruel two child benefit cap. This event will look at the socialist economic policies which are an alternative to never-ending cuts - including extending public ownership and ending the privatisation rip-off; a further expansion of workers’ rights to shift power in the economy; a green revolution and taxing wealth to pay for high-quality public services for all. A better world is possible – where people, planet and public need come before corporate greed.
Speakers
John McDonnell MP
Rebecca Long Bailey MP
Zita Holbourne, Black Activists Rising Against the Cuts
Andrew Fisher, iPaper
Gawain Little, GFTU
Eddie Dempsey, RMT
Chaired by Sarah Woolley, BFAWU
Venue: Regent Room, Grand Hotel (lunch and refreshments provided)
12:45
Trade Unions, Peace and Democracy: What next for Columbia?
Justice for Columbia
Ahead of the 2026 elections, Colombian trade unions and social movements are working with the country’s first progressive government to advance peace, strengthen human rights and tackle inequality. The government has passed reforms to improve worker rights and guarantee pensions to millions, but other progressive policies face far-right opposition in Congress. Meanwhile, despite government peace-building efforts, violent conflict still impacts many regions. Paramilitaries and other narco groups are targeting trade unionists, social activists and former FARC guerrillas. We are joined by the CUT Colombia trade union federation and TUCaffiliated unionists for an update on advances and challenges under the progressive government and how international solidarity can support Colombia’s struggle for peace and social justice.
Speakers
Trina Chavarría, CUT Colombia
Mariela Kohon, TUC
Clare Mellor, Thompsons Solicitors
Victor Figueroa Clark, Justice for Colombia
Chaired by Steve Gillan, POA
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (lunch provided)
12:45
Unionising Against Hate: Resisting far-right influence in education
Tigerlily Productions and Marking Films Inc
Far-right extremism is gaining ground in Britain, and education is a key battleground. From lecture halls to online forums, extremists are targeting students and exploiting economic and cultural fears to spread division and hate. This session uses the critically acclaimed documentary ‘Undercover: Exposing the far right’ to show how the far right is infiltrating education, hijacking debates on race, identity and free speech, and targeting young people through fear and disinformation. Join us to examine what trade unions and the education sector can do to challenge extremism, defend inclusive learning spaces, and build collective action rooted in fairness, solidarity and critical thinking.
Speakers
Havana Marking, ‘Undercover: Exposing the far right’
Anki Deo, HOPE not hate
Maria Chondrogianni, University and College Union
Chaired by Natalie Morris, The Lead
Venue: Syndicate 4, Brighton Centre (Sandwiches, tea and coffee provided)
12:45
Welfare Not Warfare
London Unemployed Strategies (LUS)
London Unemployed Strategies hosted at the TUC under LESE, funded by Trust for London is an independent voice for those using social security. Cuts to benefits kill our most vulnerable. How do the claimants cope in this hostile environment? How do DWP staff cope administrating it? How and why do far right supporters misunderstand who’s to blame? PCS, Unite and HOPE not hate explain all this and more at our fringe. Join us for some food and deep discussion.
Speakers
Angela Grant and Martin Kavanagh, PCS
Andy Mitchell and Vic Paulino, Unite Community
Matthew Collins, HOPE not hate
Chaired by Maria McCaul, LUS
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
12:45
Workshop: How to harness digital to boost campaigns
TUC Organising and Growth Hub
Join the TUC’s social media team for a fast-paced, hands-on session on turning union messages into must share content. We’ll break down what works, and how you can use social and digital to rally members, inspire the public and get results. Learn the techniques and tactics that have helped us massively grow our online reach - and how you can do the same for your branch or campaign. It’s time to supercharge our digital game and win more for working people.
Speakers
Paul Nicholson and Dunya Kamal, TUC
Chaired by Declan Seachoy, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 8, Brighton Centre
Tuesday evening
17:45
A New Chapter in Peace and Democracy: Öcalan and the road to a political solution in Turkey and Syria
Freedom for Öcalan UK trade union campaign
This fringe brings together experts, campaigners, and trade union voices to examine Abdullah Öcalan’s vision for a democratic settlement to the Kurdish question. We will discuss how his proposals for grassroots democracy, women’s liberation, and minority rights can address decades of conflict and repression, and what it will take to turn these commitments into lasting peace. At the same time, we will reflect on how Öcalan’s ideas have shaped the democratic experiment in North and East Syria — a fragile but inspiring model of pluralism and equality now facing existential threats from war and authoritarianism. By connecting the struggle for peace in Turkey with the defence of democracy in Syria, this discussion will highlight the vital role of organised labour and international solidarity. What is at stake reaches far beyond the Kurds themselves: it is about the future of peace, democracy, and social justice across the Middle East. Join us to link struggles abroad with our shared values at home.
Speakers
Berdan Öztürk, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party
Dr Mohamed Moustafa, Syrian Democratic Council (SDC)
Mariela Kohon, TUC
Chaired by Simon Dubbins, Freedom for Öcalan UK trade union campaign
Venue: Meeting Room 6, Brighton Centre
17:45
From Tommy Robinson to Reform UK: Opposing the rise of racism and the far right
Stand Up to Racism
Far-right protests at refugee hotels. Reform UK soaring in the polls. Starmer echoing their racism. Join this meeting to discuss how we build the anti-racist response and how trade unions are key for the fight against the far right.
Venue: Meeting Room 1C, Brighton Centre (refreshments provided)
17:45
Islamophobia and the Political Landscape
NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
The UK government is consulting on a definition of anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia, led by an independent working group. Join GMB and NASUWT at this event, which will help to ensure our members’ voices and lived experiences are part of that process. We will also explore how the proposed definition could help or hinder efforts to tackle prejudice while safeguarding freedom of expression. In addition, the discussion will identify practical ways we can report and challenge racism in all its forms.
Speakers:
Rashida Din, Ex-President, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union (Co-Chair)
Farzana Jumma, GMB Central Executive Council (Co-Chair)
Matt Wrack, General Secretary, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
Majid Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Islamophobia Response Unit
Baroness Shaista Gohir
Venue: Room 1A/B, Brighton Centre
17:45
The Biggest Wave of Insourcing for a Generation - how do we make it a reality?
RMT
The Labour government was elected on a manifesto pledging to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation. Unions will review what’s happened to date, discuss what can be done next and how they can coordinate their work to make this promise a reality.
Speakers
Eddie Dempsey, RMT
Bella Fashola, RMT
Fran Heathcote, PCS
Clare eogh, Unite
Rachel Harrison, GMB
speaker from UNISON (tbc)
Chaired by Nisreen Anna Mansour, TUC
Venue: Meeting Room 1D, Brighton Centre (drinks provided)
