Strike Funder: we support unions to collect donations
So as hundreds of thousands of union members ballot for industrial action over the coming months, the TUC is launching a new service to support union members in dispute.
Union members don’t have the deep pockets of many employers or millionaire political donors. But when hundreds or thousands get together to give small donations, it can be a great way for us to show practical solidarity with workers in struggle.
It can make a difference with material needs when striking workers experience hardship. Or it can help with costs needed to fight an effective local campaign. And the knowledge that the wider community is watching and has your back is valuable in itself during a difficult dispute.
Running strike funds with Megaphone UK
The TUC’s new Strike Funder tool will help TUC affiliated trade unions produce modern donation pages for their strike and campaign funds, and support collections by promoting them on our digital campaign platform, Megaphone UK.
Unions can ask for advice on fundraising tactics or request a strike fund page to be set up using this form. It’s a free service for TUC affiliated unions and funds raised go directly to the unions nominated account.
How Unite's bus driver members at Arriva Yorkshire used Strike Funder
When 650 Arriva bus drivers in Yorkshire took strike action with Unite, over poverty pay and eroding services, they knew it would be difficult. To keep spirits up on the picket line, Unite launched an online crowdfunder appeal with Strike Funder, to buy each picket line a round of coffee.
In the end, online supporters chipped in over £3,000! Unite were also able to hire an ice cream van to tour picket lines with campaigning materials.
Simple acts of kindness from supporters in the community helped show the strikers that they weren’t alone. And the ice cream was really popular on hot summer picket lines! It wasn’t ultimately Mr Whippy that won this strike of course, but it all helped the drivers stay strong and get their well-deserved win.
To ask for support for your own dispute from the TUC’s solidarity hub, contact us via the form below.
If you have any questions or you would like to speak to the TUC about this new service, contact ahayes@tuc.org.uk
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