Politics for the Many

The Future of Democracy, with Frances Crook OBE and Femi Oluwole
2023-11-18 11:00 - 12:15 (Europe/London)
Join us for a lively discussion on the future of our democracy featuring Frances Crook OBE, Co-Convenor of the Commission on Political Power, and political commentator and activist, Femi Oluwole.
We’ll be diving into the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the 21st century.

Young Workers winning at work – Joint TUC and Wales TUC event for Young Workers Month
2023-11-18 11:00 - 15:30
Over the past year, we seen union members up and down the country take action to win pay rises. During Young Members Month, join us for a day of practical workshops and talks on winning pay rises in your workplace. It’s an opportunity to:

Learn skills for negotiating pay claims
Understand how to escalate action in your workplace alongside negotiations and learn new organising tactics
Meet other young members across the movement and learn from each other’s experiences
Hear from guest speakers on the importance of working with unions

This event is open to all members who meet their union’s definition of young.

Register now

Violence in the workplace webinar
2023-11-22 12:30 - 13:30
To mark the United Nations International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls, the National Women’s Committee has organised a webinar on Violence in the workplace and International Labour Organization Convention 190 (ILO C190).
This webinar will explore experiences of unions in dealing with violence in the workplace, including domestic violence and the experience of unions in putting forward C190 provisions on the collective bargaining discussion table and the role of the union in pressing for a bipartite protocol on violence and harassment in the workplace.
Register for the event

2023 National Young Member Conference (Newcastle)
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-26
UNISON’s Young Member Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a Young Members Self-Organised Group Conference on Friday 24th November at 4pm, finishing Sunday 26th November 2023 at 12:30pm.
We have now opened the Online Conferencing System (OCS) to allow submission of motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Information on when, how and who can submit it can be found in the NYMC bulletin.
Please note the deadline to submit motions on OCS is 12.00 noon on Friday 28th July 2023.
UNISON’s Young Member Self-Organised Group Conference takes place over Three day. Voting on motions is restricted to delegates only. Delegates should attend all sessions of Conference.
The conference bulletin will have further information on motion submission from the SOC and submission deadlines.
If you have any queries, please contact the Conference Office at conferences@unison.co.uk

Next Gen Conference 2023
2023-11-25 09:00 - 17:00
The Youth Conference of the Year is back: Experience the Future at Next Gen Conference 2023!
Join us on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, from 09:00 to 17:00 at Plexal in London for the Next Generation Conference—an event that’s all about inspiring young minds and forging connections. Get ready for an extraordinary, FREE experience where you’ll find inspiration and connect with young changemakers, leading activists, industry experts, influencers, and political figures not just from the UK but from across the globe. Discover innovative ways to bring your boldest ideas to life.
Young people are demanding for their voices to be heard. Join us as we explore youth-led solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. Our dynamic panel discussions include:
My Future, My Vote Campaign
Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis: Impact on Mental Health
The Fashion Industry’s Role in Tackling the Climate Crisis
Clicktivism: Digital activism in the modern age
Don’t miss out! Registration is completely FREE. Stay updated by following us on Instagram and Twitter (@mylifemysay) for event details and travel information. You can also click here to check out the agenda for a sneak peek at what the day holds.
This year, BBC 1Xtra presenter Swarzy Macaly will host the conference, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers. And yes, you read it right—REGISTRATION IS FREE!
Launched by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in November 2018, this conference has been a gathering ground for tech pioneers, business leaders, political influencers, and cultural icons. It unites young visionaries, policymakers, and academics annually to reshape economic, political, and community life. My Life My Say provides young people with a platform to empower themselves as they emerge from challenging times. MLMS is BACK, and it’s stronger than ever!
Hurry, register now while tickets last.
Important Note: This event is for ages 16-30. All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tackling racism and the far-right - a trade union response (Manchester)
2023-11-25 10:00 - 16:00
Across the country, we are seeing racists and fascists look to divide our communities. In the North West, we’ve seen anti-migrant and refugee sentiment on the rise, protests at hotels and far-right candidates standing in local elections.
Increasingly, far-right groups and individuals are using conspiracy theories as a recruiting ground. No longer is it just about migrants and race, but about LGBT+ and more.
The response from government has just been more rhetoric, fuelling divisions and seeking to pit people in communities against each other.
Our movement is founded on one of solidarity and justice. We’ve seen our unions call out and take on the government’s Rwanda plans, propose better solutions to theirs and where appropriate, protest against those who seek to divide us.
This full day event will bring together representatives from unions, community groups, anti-racism and anti fascism organisations to share updates, spread best practice on tackling these organisations and individuals and help narrow our focus on how we defeat the poisonous narrative in the run up to the next election and beyond.
We’ll be discussing:

What we are doing to be an anti-racist movement
Institutional racism and Windrush
Working in communities to combat those targeting hotels
Safe passage for refugees
How we tackle the rhetoric and narrative in politics and beyond

Speakers include:

Kim Johnson MP
Riz Hussain, TUC
Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism
Hannah Marwood, Care 4 Calais
More to be confirmed

Oxfordshire - CHRISTMAS STALL @ GREEN FAIR
2023-11-25 10:30 - 16:00
Get involved with MVM Oxfordshire!
We’ll be talking to people at the Green Fair, Oxford Town Hall, Saint Aldate’sOxford, England, OX1 1BX
Email sueledwith1@gmail.com to get involved!

ASK HER: 1:1 TIME WITH THE ELECT HER TEAM
2023-11-27 10:00 - 20:30
We love speaking directly to you, the women in our community!
It really helps us to understand how we can best support you on your journey to elected office, what you need and how the work of Elect Her can adapt in response to your needs.
This year, we want to offer the opportunity to women in our community to book in specific 1:1 time with us, to talk, ask questions and catch up with the Elect Her Team. We are putting aside a day each month to have a chat and a blether.
We want to give you the personal space and time you need, to ask us anything about your journey to elected office so we can signpost you directly to resources and opportunities that we and our partners have in place. Do you have questions you’d like to ask about how to get started, what support the political parties have in place, questions about funding or just a general catch up about where you are and where you’d like to be? These 1:1 appointments are the perfect place to ask! If we can help we will, and if not we can refer you to other organisations! There is a whole host of support out there and sometimes you just need a nudge to access it.
We are available for 20 minute slots on Monday 27th November 2023 between 10am – 8:30pm.
Book in some time with us!
If you find all the slots are fully booked, don’t worry – we run these sessions on the last Monday of every month.
Please only book an appointment if you know you are able to attend. We have limited spaces and often they book out very quickly. If you book an appointment but something else comes up, just email us to let us know so we can offer it to other women in our community.

The Future of Democracy in the UK: Public Attitudes and Policy Options
2023-11-27 13:00 - 14:15
This seminar gathers leading figures from Westminster, together with an expert on public attitudes and members of the project team, to explore the findings of the final report of the Democracy in the UK after Brexit project.
Over the past two years, a Constitution Unit team has been examining public attitudes to democracy in the UK. The project’s final report will draw together the findings – from two large-scale surveys and a citizens’ assembly – and reflect on implications for policy-makers. It will examine what kind of democracy people in the UK want and consider what changes in policy or behaviour may be needed in response.
Marking the report’s launch, this seminar will gather several leading figures from Westminster, together with an expert on public attitudes and members of the project team, to explore the findings and identify possible next steps.
Speakers:

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister
Wendy Chamberlain MP, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons
Damian Green MP, former First Secretary of State, and chair of the One Nation Conservatives
Professor Maria Sobolewska, Professor of Political Science, University of Manchester
Professor Alan Renwick, Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit

Chair:
Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit

Organising to win on pay and jobs in the arts & culture sector (London)
2023-11-27 19:00 - 20:30
The meetings aims to bring people together across the Arts & Culture sector in London & South East to discuss some common problems we face and what we might do to address them, including the:

impact of Covid
cost of living crisis
threat posed by AI and how we might combat them
SAG-AFTRA strike in the US

We pleased to announce that we have the following speakers:

Jamie Pullman (Musicians’ Union)
Denise Alder (We Are Doc Women – supporting TV’s Women Directors)
Dr Olugcan Ekiz (Swansea University)
Liam Budd (Equity)

Following our speakers, there will be plenty of time for questions/contributions from those attending.
If you want to reserve a place, please email: lese@tuc.org.uk It would be helpful if you could specify if you wish to attend in person or log in online.

BE A COUNCILLOR: NOVEMBER
2023-11-28 19:30 - 21:00
Change “somebody should do something about that…” into “I’ve decided to be that somebody.”
We are inviting all women in England interested in local politics to join our Be a Councillor workshop. Hear from inspirational women in local politics to discover if becoming a councillor is right for you and how to get there, whilst building a supportive community.
For women to be able to participate, progress and stay in local politics, we need new forms of networks and support that work for us. By bringing women together across England with varying levels of experience, we hope to spark skill-sharing, strength, encouragement, and an opportunity for you to hear from current councillors about their experiences.
So whether you’re unsure if local politics is right for you or thinking of standing, join us as we share resources and advice to help you get started on your political journey. We’ll be hosting this gathering on Tuesday, 28th November, from 7:30-9 pm.
All women are welcome to register for these sessions. Non-binary people whose experiences or identities intersect with women’s and therefore feel they would benefit from accessing a women-centred space are welcome to join us.

The People's Powerhouse This Is the North Convention 2023 - Preston
2023-11-29 - 2023-11-30
This exciting two-day event will take place on 29th and 30th November across multiple venues in Preston, and promises to bring together thought leaders, activists, and change-makers from across the North to discuss, learn, and embolden the power of citizens at a local and regional level.
This Is the North Convention is a platform for individuals and organizations committed to creating positive change in our society. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, economic reform, or want to explore people-powered solutions to 21st century challenges, this convention is your opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change.

Radical Clerkenwell: A Collaboration between MML & London Metropolitan Archives
2023-11-29 17:00 - 18:30
Join us for an evening of document displays at London Metropolitan Archives and Marx Memorial Library, and a guided walk across Clerkenwell with David Rosenberg.

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 – 5:00pm
, 37A Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0DU

DISABLED WOMEN IN POLITICS NETWORK
2023-11-30
In partnership with our friends at Centenary Action Group and the Disability Policy Centre, we currently run a bi-monthly roundtable for d/Deaf and Disabled women and those with long term health conditions who are active in politics and activism to come together, share experience and learnings and support us in developing a programme of support for the next generation of Disabled women in politics.
Find community and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities. To register your interest in attending please email: contact@dispolcentre.org

ONLINE & ONSITE PANEL: Lessons of the 2022-2023 Trade Union Offensive
2023-11-30 19:00
Our panel is set to deliberate on the latest surge in industrial militancy – its origins and impact – , examining challenges and opportnities in organising and sustaining collective action. The discussion will delve into the lessons gleaned from recent experiences and outline the strategic steps forward, especially in the face of escalating legal assaults on trade union freedoms. We will hear from:
Alex Gordon, President of the RMT
Helen O’Connor, Organiser at GMB
Xav Cohen, Organiser at Unison
Our panellists are speaking in a personal capacity

World Aids Day
2023-12-01
Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people living with HIV. More than 35 million people have died as a result, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Many people still don’t know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for people living with the condition. People living with HIV are also more likely to experience poverty, hardship and inequalities.
Marking World AIDS Day shows a genuine commitment to equality and diversity.
We are winning the fight against HIV, but we are losing the fight against ignorance. HIV diagnoses are falling in the UK, meaning the spread of the virus is slowing down, but the fight is not just about the virus. There are still 101,000 people living with HIV in the UK, there is no cure, and people still face ignorance and discrimination that can limit their opportunities, preventing them from living full and happy lives. HIV means you are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health.
Although the epidemic is slowing in the UK, nearly half of people who test positive are finding out they have HIV very late, meaning the virus may have damaged their health permanently.
On World AIDS Day, use materials to help raise awareness in your workplace, and raise vital funds to help end new transmissions, end stigma and end the inequalities faced by people living with HIV.
Find out more from the National AIDS Trust website.

Campaign update: wrapping up the year - 2023 (online)
2023-12-06 18:00 - 19:00
2023 has been an important year for the #Labour4PR campaign.
We’ve seen probably the biggest grassroots effort influence the National Policy Forum in Labour’s history. We’ve seen the party formally adopt its party programme in preparation for the general election. And we’ve seen that policy – for the first time – include damning criticism of First Past the Post.
Join the Labour for a New Democracy team as we look back at what we’ve accomplished in 2023 – and forward next year and the general election.
Virtual event: A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP
Host Contact Info: hello@labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk

Climate & ecological emergency annual meeting
2023-12-07
The Climate & ecological emergency annual meeting will be on Thursday, 7 December 2023,
Venue and timings
The conference will be online using Zoom from 11am – 4pm.
REGISTER HERE
Registration deadline – Thursday 30 November
Nominations – The deadline for submission of nominations is 5pm, Thursday, 23 November.

Young Organisers' Network - Taster and Launch Event
2023-12-09 10:00 - 16:00
The Young Organisers’ Network weaves elements of training and development alongside the general principle of a network of solidarity – recognising that many young workers make a start in precarious and low-paid work, it aims to give them a jumpstart on organising skills as well as a space to share what impacts them and the changes they need to overcome challenges for young workers. It also aims to provide them with a safe environment to workshop plans and strategy for effective workplace organising.
Come along to this inaugural/taster session where we will explore workplace organising, campaigning for the right to strike, and get to know other young activists over lunch.

2024 National Black Members Conference (Brighton)
2024-01-19 - 2024-01-21
UNISON’s National Black Members Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a National Black Members Self-Organised Group Conference from 1.00pm Friday 19th January to 12.30pm Sunday 21st January 2024.

Marking 40 years since the ban on trade union rights at GCHQ & the union fightback
2024-01-25 18:00 - 19:30
Forty years ago Margaret Thatcher’s government announced its decision to impose a total ban on trade union membership at Government Communication Headquarters, (GCHQ). Staff were ordered to resign their membership or face dismissal – 14 refused to do so and were sacked. For more than 13 years, a small group of GCHQ staff and unions campaigned for the right to belong to a union, which was restored in 1997.
This event will remember the historic campaign, consider the importance of trade union rights today and the current attacks by the Tory government on workers’ rights.
Speakers:
Martin Cavanagh, PCS national deputy president
Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council
Kate Haigh, former activist in GCHQ campaign
Liz Blackshaw, TUC regional secretary
Gaz Jackson, RMT regional organiser
Chair, Jane Aitchison, Leeds TUC president

MVM North London Roadshow - Golders Green
2024-01-27 11:00 - 14:00
We are going to Golders Green because Finchley and Golders Green is a swing seat MVM will target in it General Election campaign this year.
Golders Green is on the Northern line Edgware branch via Camden Town and Kings Cross Buses H1 H2 N5 13 83 102 139 183 210 240 245 260 268 460 631 go to Golders Green.
Golders Green in the vicinity of the Clock Tower at the cross roads by the station632A Finchley RoadNW11 7RRLondon
We will be handing out leaflets and speaking to locals. And we will also have Badges, Car Stickers, Bag & Case Stickers and Posters for supporters
For details contact David Brown on 07763 334128 or davidvital@talktalk.net

Protect the right to strike march and rally
2024-01-27 12:00 - 14:00
Our workers rights are under attack again.
Join us at Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham at 12pm on Saturday 27 January. Celebrate our history. Protest against the government. Stand up for your rights.
Forty years ago – on 25th Jan 1984 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attacked trade union rights at GCHQ. Union members were told to resign their membership or be sacked. After a long campaign marked by the fortitude of the workers and their families, and the solidarity of the whole movement, they were reinstated when an incoming Labour government repealed the ban.
Today, the government has passed laws that could restrict the right to strike for over five million workers.. The right to strike is a fundamental British liberty. We must defend it at all costs.
We have won before. We will win again. Join our march and rally on 27 January.
The TUC are supporting this march and rally, which is organised by PCS South West.
Ban of trade unions at GCHQ and the union fightback
40 years ago, Margaret Thatcher’s government announced its decision to impose a total ban on trade union membership at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). Staff were ordered to resign their membership or face dismissal – 14 refused to do so and were sacked. For more than 13 years, a small group of brave GCHQ staff and their unions campaigned for the right to belong to a union, commanding huge support throughout the labour movement. Marches regularly took place in Cheltenham – where many GCHQ staff are based – between 1984 and 1997. Their principled and sustained campaign ended in 1997, when the Labour government overturned the ban on unions. Staff at GCHQ are now members of PCS. The right to organise collectively to protect people in and out of work is a fundamental human right. Come to our event to learn from the past and celebrate the trailblazing campaign to restore workers’ rights at GCHQ.
Threats to union rights today
The fight for our union rights is not over. Last year, the Tories launched their latest move to restrict workers’ rights, introducing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act. The law stipulates that when workers in certain sectors lawfully vote to strike, they could be forced to attend work – and sacked if they don’t comply. This undemocratic new law could curtail the right to strike for 1 in 5 workers. This is the last thing our crumbling public services or our dedicated frontline workers need – these draconian laws will poison industrial relations and drag out disputes. Ministers are punishing paramedics and rail staff for daring to stand up for decent pay and better services. But make no mistake. We won’t stand by and let workers get sacked for defending their pay and conditions. And we won’t rest until this law has been repealed. Our message is loud and clear. The entire trade union movement will rally behind any worker who loses their fundamental right to strike.
Timings and location
12pm – gather at Montpellier Gardens
12:30 – march departs through town centre to Pittville Park (approximately 1 hour walk)
13:30 – rally in Pittville Park

LGBT+ History Month - Medicine – #UnderTheScope
2024-02-01 - 2024-02-29
We are delighted to announce that the UK 2024 LGBT+ History Month theme is:
Medicine – #UnderTheScope
The 2024 theme celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today.
We want to showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Whilst still shining a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare which has been extremely complicated leaving LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities even today.
At a time when the LGBT+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime and hate instances we also encourage you to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences from LGBT+ people.
When you’re planning your events, please remember to include LGBT+ people in all our diversity and add your events to the official LGBT+ calendar. You can easily show your support in person by buying the 2024 Badge and/or lanyard and on social media by including the hashtags: #LGBTplusHM & #UnderTheScope in your post.
We do hope you will join us to celebrate UK LGBT+ History Month 2024.

Webinar: Protecting workers from extreme cold temperatures
2024-02-01 14:00 - 15:00
As temperatures plummet throughout the winter, employers are responsible for providing a working environment that is reasonably practical, safe and without risks to health. Join us for a discussion with Shelly Asquith, TUC Health & Safety Policy Officer, who will discuss what reps can do to ensure their employers assess risks and introduce any necessary prevention or control measures in the workplace.

Labour for a New Democracy - campaign update - online
2024-02-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Keir Starmer kicked off the election year with a speech delivered in Bristol, in which he called out a political system that just isn’t working: “Trust in politics is so low, so degraded, that nobody believes you can make a difference any more.”
What we all know – and what the Labour Party officially recognises – is that the flaws in our First Past the Post voting system are driving precisely this kind of distrust and alienation in politics.
This year – with the help of members and affiliates like you – we will be working across the movement to transform this understanding into action by the next Labour government. Join us for our 2024 campaign launch to find out how you can get involved.
Sign up on the Labour for a New Democracy website.

Newid! Reaching young workers in Swansea
2024-02-03
Wales TUC Young Activist Development Programme are reaching out to young workers in hospitality and retail to talk about rights at work and the benefits of joining a trade union.
Introducing Newid!: Following the success of our Norwegian Summer Patrol pilot last summer, the Young Activist Development Programme is now setting up our own version, Newid!
The session will involve trade unionists in small groups interviewing young workers in hospitality and retail about their experiences at work. The data collected from Newid! will then be used to shape our campaigning work and raise issues on behalf of young workers within our movement, and through social partnership.
Our first Newid! Session for 2024 will be on 3rd February in Swansea. There will be several sessions run throughout the day, you can either attend one, or all depending on your suitability. By signing up to this, you will also be invited to attend the following training:
– Training with HMRC on Minimum Wage Compliance
– Handling difficult conversations
– Briefing on young workers in hospitality and retail
To sign up for the activity please use this form here: https://forms.office.com/e/rC46Kjyxtp
For any other queries, please email: crees@tuc.org.uk
For more information on the inspiration behind Newid!, read our blog on the Norwegian Summer Patrol Model: Young workers from Wales take on Norwegian Summer Patrol | TUC

Democracy and AI
2024-02-06 12:00 - 13:00
In an era of emerging technology, learning about Artificial Intelligence is more important than ever. Its potential seems almost limitless, and so does the danger it poses to our democracy.
We’ll be hearing from:
Hannah O’Rourke, co-founder of Campaign Lab, is an expert on Artificial intelligence influence on campaigning and can provide an inside perspective on this change to politics.
Kyle Taylor, author of The Little Black Book of Artificial Intelligence, will provide expert foresight into the consequences of such technology on our society and democracy as a whole.
Visit the website to register.

Young Organisers' Network - Introductory Webinar
2024-02-06 18:00 - 20:00
We will be opening the Young Organisers’ Network with this webinar featuring introductions from Quincy Raymond, Chair of TUC Young Workers’ Forum, and Ines Lage, TUC SW Regional Secretary.
Come hear about the plans and objectives for the network, meet fellow young activists from across the region, and get ready for an exciting year.

ELECT HER - LEARN: PUBLIC SPEAKING
2024-02-07 13:00 - 14:00
Delivered as part of Equip Her, our programme of support for women in our community who are preparing to be candidates in upcoming elections.
Between now and May 2024, we are creating space for you to access free resources, advice and community. We are aware that you may not yet be a confirmed candidate as many parties are still going through selection process, but we wholeheartedly encourage you to consider yourself as a candidate until you are told otherwise, and join in nonetheless.
Women who are standing in both local elections in England and in the General Election are welcome to join these sessions.
This session is being delivered as part of our bespoke skills-based training sessions. Alongside our CARE and ASK sessions, our LEARN sessions are designed to provide you with a holistic understanding of delivering your campaign and improving your leadership skills, ensuring women in our community are prepared for a life in elected office.
Alongside our live training sessions, women signed up for Equip Her will receive access to Campaign In A Box, an online suite of training resources to access at your own pace that provide you with guidance in how to plan, budget and implement your election campaign. Women also receive our bespoke Digital Self-Defence and Self-Care toolkit, designed in partnership with the amazing team at Glitch, to help you tackle online abuse.
To join this session, please register for Equip Her below, where you will receive instant access Campaign in a Box and Digital Self-Defence and Self-Care, as well as regular reminders of all of our upcoming live sessions.
