Politics for the Many

Discrimination Law Conference 2024 (online)
2024-02-23 09:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London)
This high-profile annual conference gives trade unions, law centres, CAB and other voluntary organisations the chance to hear from leading barristers about the latest legislative developments and landmark equality cases.
We are delighted to announce the following programme for the Discrimination Law Conference 2024:
Programme
In the chair: Michael Rubenstein, Editor, Industrial Relations Law Reports
09.30 Welcome address
Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
09.45 Sex and race discrimination: recent case law
Karon Monaghan KC, Matrix Chambers
10.20 Questions
10.30 Break
10.40 Pregnancy, maternity and parental rights
Rachel Crasnow KC, Cloisters Chambers
11.15 Questions
11.25 Break
11.35 Disability discrimination: recent developments
Rebecca Tuck KC, Old Square Chambers
12.10 Questions
12.20 Break
12.30 Age discrimination: new cases
Deshpal Panesar KC, Old Square Chambers
13.00 Questions
13.10 Break
14.00 Equal pay: latest developments
Andrew Short KC, Outer Temple Chambers
14.30 Questions
14.40 Break
14.50 Religion or belief discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination: where the law now stands
Claire Darwin KC, Matrix Chambers
15.25 Questions
15.35 Break
15.45 Social class discrimination: the next frontier for discrimination law?
Professor Geraldine Van Bueren KC, British Institute of International and Comparative Law
16.20 Questions
16.30 Close of conference
The programme is devised and chaired by Michael Rubenstein.
The cost for trade unions, law centres, CAB and other voluntary organisations is £48 per delegate. Other organisations may be able to book a place for this conference at a higher commercial rate via Michael Rubenstein Conferences Ltd.
For more information visit: Michael Rubenstein Conferences | Employment Law and Discrimination Law Conferences
This event will be held online, and registered delegates will receive a pack (via email/ link) with material provided by our speakers.
Please note we will not accept any bookings for this event without payment in advance and that we can currently only accept payments for this event online. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Bookings will close on 20 February 2024, but please ensure you book in good time so as not to miss out on this prestigious event. The full event will be subtitled, but please do let us know if you have any other accessibility requirements for this event.
All sessions will be chaired by Michael Rubenstein who will select from submitted questions on the day. The full event will be subtitled with BSL interpretation.

Greener Workplaces Network Meeting
2024-02-29 10:00 - 12:00
The new recycling law is due to come into effect on 6 April 2024 and applies to all workplaces in Wales.
It means all workplaces such as businesses, public sector and charities will need to separate their recyclable materials in the same way most households already do.
It also applies to all waste and recycling collectors and processors who manage household-like waste from workplaces.
Join us at this event, where we’ll be looking at the issues surrounding the impact this law may have on the workplace, discuss how to prepare, what this means for workers and why it is an important issue for trade unions.
To book a place, please register using the Register Now button. It will take just a few minutes to complete. Please note this greener workplaces network is open to all trade union officers, reps and activists.
For all enquiries about this meeting, please contact ahalpin@tuc.org.uk

BE A COUNCILLOR: with Elect Her
2024-02-29 19:30 - 21:30
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 Thursday, 29th February, from 7:30-9:00 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.

ABERDEEN’S WOMEN GATHER
2024-03-09 10:00 - 13:00
Calling women of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire! Have you thought what it would be like to stand for elected office and represent your community? Would you like to know more about the support available from other women? Celebrate International Women’s Day with like-minded women to explore taking up space in politics and creating positive community change.

If you are passionate about supporting your community, we need you in politics. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect and understand local communities in North East Scotland to put themselves forward for election.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, a group of women, from all political parties and from none, who are serving their North East communities have come together to share their experiences and to give encouragement to other women at this special in person event at The Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen.
Join cross-party councillors Kate Blake, Alison Evison, Emma Farquhar, Mel Sullivan and Miranda Radley on Saturday 9th March 10:00-13:00 to learn about their paths to elected office and ask them any questions you might have.
There will be an opportunity to learn about the resources available to help women on their political journey from Elect Her. You will also be able to meet other women like yourself who are thinking about standing for election or supporting other women to do so.
By the end of this event, you will:

Have stronger networks of support, including amongst a community of likeminded women at a similar stage of their political journey;

Understand what councillors are responsible for and the different ways current elected representatives have entered politics, learning from their lived experience;

Be able to ask a group of cross-party councillors any questions you might have about putting yourself forward;

Understand what free support and resources Elect Her can provide you on your political journey.

Refreshments will be provided and children are welcome to join with parents. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please register in advance through entering your details in the form below to join us at the event and let us know any accessibility requirements you have. If you are unable to fill in this form due to accessibility requirements, you can call Baldeep McGarry at 07767353006. We look forward to meeting you in person!
All women are welcome to register for this event. 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.

Building an Anti-Racist Movement - Exeter
2024-03-09 10:30 - 15:30
The union movement will only be a strong voice for working people when all voices are heard and prioritised. This event offers an opportunity to chart the way forward together and take a serious look at some of the challenges we face.

With workshops on fighting the far right, strengthening the trade union movement’s response to racism, and everything in between.

Street stall - West Yorkshire
2024-03-09 11:00 - 14:00
Please join us at our street stall!
With currently eight Leeds constituencies we want to impress on all the MPs the growing clamour for PR. Come and help us share leaflets, sign postcards and hand our badges.
If you can let us know you are coming that would be even better. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about location, times or our message. mvmwestyorkshire@yahoo.com
Victoria Street, Holmfirth HD9

Celebrating women in our trade union movement - Cardiff Bay
2024-03-12 11:30 - 13:30
Join TUC Cymru’s International Women’s Day event to celebrate the women in our movement who are fighting for a better, fairer Wales.
Location: Pierhead Main Hall, Pierhead building
Wales has a proud history of women trade unionists from Abertillery nurse Thora Silverthorne to Elizabeth Andrews from Hirwaun whose motto of “educate, agitate and organise” still inspires many today.
At this event in Cardiff Bay’s iconic Pierhead building we will celebrate the contributions of current Welsh trade unionists. We will hear inspiring stories of courage and overcoming adversity from speakers from across our movement.
Speakers will include participants from TUC Cymru’s Black Activist Development Programme, Newid! programme for young activists and trade union reps.
Lunch will be provided

TUC Pensions Conference 2024: pensions under the next government
2024-03-13
Registrations are now open for the TUC Pensions Conference 2024 on Wednesday 13 March at Congress House, London.
With a general election on the horizon, the conference will explore the challenges facing an incoming government in pensions policy.
Delegates will hear from shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall on Labour’s pensions priorities, and from chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt on the investments needed to transform the UK economy.
There will also be a range of workshops and panel discussions covering the state pension, auto-enrolment, ESG investing, trustee diversity and inclusion, pension scheme communications and more.

Making a Constitution: The view from Chile and Ecuador - online
2024-03-14 18:00 - 19:00
Chile and Ecuador have recently gone through the process of writing new national constitutions.
We’ll be hearing from two experts:
Dr Gonzalo Delamaza: Sociologist at the Catholic University of Chile, visiting professor at Harvard and the University of Lisbon and director of the Popular Participation Secretariat of the Chilean Constitutional Convention between 2021 and 2022.
Norman Wray: Former Editor of the Political section of Diario El Comercio de Quito, member of the Ecuadorian National Assembly, campaigner for indigenous rights, Ecuadorian Presidential candidate, President of the Governing Council of the Galapagos Islands, Juris Doctor and University Lecturer in Constitutional law and State Theory.

UN Anti Racism Day demonstrations - London, Glasgow, Cardiff
2024-03-16
Join us on Saturday 16 March along with other trade unionists and activists for UN Anti-Racism Day.
The TUC are supporting the Stand Up to Racism march and rally marking the UN Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The demonstration will highlight the UK‘s international obligations to tackle racism and xenophobia and makes an important public statement that trade unions and other organisations are opposed to the increasingly racist and xenophobic directed against some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Join us and help build a massive turnout on the day.
London – Saturday 16 March 2024 at 12 noon, Home Office, Marsham Street, London
Glasgow – Saturday 16 March 2024 at 11am, BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
Cardiff – Sunday 17 March 2024 at 11am, The Senedd, Cardiff

ASK: The short campaign - online
2024-03-20 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 LEARN and CARE sessions, our ASK sessions are designed to provide opportunity for you to ask our campaign experts any questions you might have following our recent LEARN session, so you can gain personalised advice.
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.

Councillors' Coffee Time
2024-03-21
Out with the old boys’ networks, we’re here to build new support for women in local politics.
We are inviting all women serving as councillors to switch off from regular work for an hour to come together with women across the political parties and share what’s going on for you and gain the support you need.
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 in councils across Britain and varying levels of experience together, we hope to spark skill-sharing, strength and encouragement.
Whether you’re newly elected or on your third term, join us in creating community and sisterhood. We’ll share challenges, experiences, resources and advice, so you can feel supported as you participate in local politics.
We know that as a councillor, you have a jam-packed calendar and don’t want this to be another meeting on your to-do list, but instead a chance to switch off and unwind with likeminded women who understand what you’re going through. Former councillor Hannah O’Neill will provide light facilitation of the session, which otherwise will remain an open and informal discussion, so you can bring whatever is on your mind to the session. Overall, we want to make sure we can champion you on this journey, so we’d love to hear during the session what support you need going forward so we can help you where we can.
We’ll be hosting this gathering twice on Thursday 21st March, at 1-2pm and 7-8pm so you can choose a time that best matches your schedule.
All women that register to join our community as a councillor will be sent the invitations for all of the gathering dates and times, as well as regular words of encouragement to keep you going!
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.

2024 Mary Macarthur Lecture - Oldbury
2024-03-22
eserve your place at this year’s Mary Macarthur Lecture and hear from the new PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote.
The Mary Macarthur Lecture is an opportunity for leading women to outline the challenges they see facing women in the world of work and wider society today and how we respond to these challenges to deliver a fairer, more equal and progressive future.
As we continue to suffer an assault on living standards, the erosion of public services and a threat to our right to strike, this year’s lecture is timely.
Join us to discuss how we build a fairer, more progressive society.

ASK HER: 1:1 time with the Elect Her team - online
2024-03-25 - 2024-03-27
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.
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 times across three days 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 throughout Monday 25th March and Wednesday 27th March.
Book in some time with us!
If you find all the slots are fully booked, don’t worry – we run these sessions in the last week 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.

Organise 24 - Derby
2024-04-12 12:00 - 17:00
Join trade union organisers and reps from across the region as we discuss how we think strategically to build union membership and density.
Hear from national trade union speakers about the challenge facing the movement as well as some of the tools available to support union organising.
The conference will also hear from Labour about the aspects of their New Deal that will help remove some of the existing barriers we face in organising.
The conference will hold a series of workshops looking at
* Private sector: How do we target sectors and resources to win.
This workshop will hear from both GMB Coventry Amazon reps about their inspirational organising campaign to secure a union at Amazon and Unite organisers and reps about their long and ultimately successful battel for recognition at DHL East Midlands Airport
* Public Sector: How do we get back above 50% density
This workshop will hear from Unison organisers and reps about how they’ve built union membership and activism amongst outsourced NHS workers in response to a refusal to honour the national pay award in full.
* Diversifying our reps base
This workshop will explore how we support and encourage black members to take on leadership roles within our unions to ensure that all our structures look and reflect our true membership. The discussion will be led by the TUC’s Building BAME Networks project officer, Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes, and participants from current Black Activist programmes.
The day will conclude with a plenary session and a presentation on how the TUC’s Solidarity Hub can support unions in their organising activity.

Professor Rob Ford presents the trade union case for electoral reform
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Do you feel fully informed on the debate around voting reform? Major unions like Unite and Unison have passed motions in support of reform in recent years, as has Labour party conference – but what would it mean for your rights in the workplace?
We want you to have the facts to hand when the debate arises. So, we’ve organised a free online talk with Rob Ford, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester. Rob is a leading expert on public opinion, elections and the radical right.
History shows that even when the Labour Party wins an overall majority, any improvements in trade union rights are quickly reversed by subsequent Tory governments.
Join us to hear how proportional representation can help ensure trade unions and working people keep a seat at the table and hold on to any new rights that they win from a Labour government.
We hope you can join us
Reserve your free ticket

Combating transnational kleptocracy - Westminster
2024-04-21 - 2024-04-22
This spring, IPPR will host a major conference on combating transnational kleptocracy.
This conference will consider, working with counterparts in the US and EU, what a commensurate and coordinated strategy against kleptocracy would entail. We will explore several themes, including:

Corporate and capital flow transparency
British Overseas Territories and offshore finance
Reputation laundering and political influence
Regulation in key industries (private investment, real estate, arts trade)
Co-ordinating with democratic allies

Registration for this event will open soon.
For more information, please contact Olivia Vaughan.

CWU Conference
2024-04-21 - 2024-04-26
Conference is being held at the BIC in Bournemouth from Sunday 21st – Thursday 25th April 2024.

Campaign update: election round-up - online
2024-05-08 19:00 - 20:00
Save the date for this debrief from the 2024 local elections.

MVM Street Stall - West Yorkshire
2024-05-11 12:00 - 13:30
Meet Halifax town centre, behind the Duke of Wellington’s regiment memorial at the junction of market street & Woolshops.

Behold Ye Ramblers - Townsend Theatre Productions - York
2024-05-12 20:30 - 22:30
‘Behold Ye Ramblers’ is the story of the beginnings of the struggle for the right to roam freely across open moors on ancient paths and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities and pursuits. It’s a history based in the Clarion movement that in the 1890s onwards encouraged and celebrated healthy community activity such as cycling, music and choral singing, drama groups, handicrafts, whilst collectively building Clarion Houses as rural community centres to enable people to escape the daily grind of work and cramped city living. There are active Clarion Cycling Clubs and Choirs to this day!
This is a highly entertaining celebration through Music Hall, poetry and song of the birth of The Clarion newspaper and the movement that grew in its name; of its founder Robert Blatchford and his self-styled journalism influenced by William Morris and Edward Carpenter; of his ability to convert hundreds of thousands to his collective vision, including some of the richest in society, such as the Countess of Warwick; and of the heroic working class disciples such as GHB Ward and his fellow activists from the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers that campaigned and trespassed for public access across Derbyshire’s moorlands.
Find out how this happened, who fought for our Right to Roam and be entertained at the same time.
A show for all to see and to be determined to be able to walk alone and with others!

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-20
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 13 – Sunday 19 May 2024. The theme, as set by the Mental Health Foundation, is “Movement: moving for our mental health.” This year, we want you to move your way by finding something that moves your body and mind.

Festival of Learning
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-20
Festival of Learning (previously Adult Learners Week) is an opportunity to celebrate, promote and advance all forms of adult learning.
Usdaw’s support and participation in the event has increased year on year and the event is a tribute to the imagination and dedication of the learning teams across the divisions. From week long events to one-off tasters, Usdaw Union Learning Reps (ULRs) put on a breathtaking range of events for members across the country.
From apprenticeships and job swaps to British Sign Language and healthy feet sessions, there’s something for everyone.
Some regions co-ordinate their activity around key themes such as the Six Book Challenge or NVQs and apprenticeships. Others promote specific courses such as British Sign Language and English and Maths. Several link in with regional campaigns such as Check Out Learning and promoting Usdaw’s legal services.
Activity covers the full spectrum of workplaces from large distribution centres to small retail stores. Larger workplaces with a long history of organising learning might run a series of events spread over several days. Smaller workplaces just starting out may run surveys or recruitment for specific courses.

Organising to Win Guides – Webinar
2024-05-13 13:00 - 13:45
UNISON has recently released a brand new suite of Organising to Win guides. All written and produced in-house, these guides are based on our collective experience of effective organising tools and techniques.
This 45-minute webinar will take you through these new guides, from the 5-Phase Plan to Win, impact assessment, and workplace mapping, to having organising conversations and organising workplace leaders, and more.
With guest speaker Kevin Lucas, Head of UNISON’s national Strategic Organising Unit.
PLEASE NOTE: This Webinar is for UNISON Staff & Activists only.

ASK HER: 1:1 TIME WITH THE ELECT HER TEAM
2024-05-13 19:00 - 2024-05-14 20:00
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.
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 times across three days 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 throughout Monday 13th May and Tuesday 14th May.
Book in some time with us!
If you find all the slots are fully booked, don’t worry – we run these sessions in the last week 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.

Click here to book your 1:1 session

Behold Ye Ramblers - Townsend Theatre Productions - Bristol
2024-05-14 20:30 - 22:30

Behold Ye Ramblers - Townsend Theatre Productions - Cotswolds
2024-05-15 20:30 - 22:30

Behold Ye Ramblers - Townsend Theatre Productions - Dorchester
2024-05-16 20:30 - 22:30

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
2024-05-17 - 2024-05-18
Unite is proud to recognise International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May. Known as IDAHOBIT for short, this date was chosen as it commemorates the date of the decision to remove homosexuality from classification as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation in 1990. The main purpose of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness of ongoing discrimination, violence and persecution of LGBT+ people across the world.
Research by Stonewall, the national LGBT charity found that one in five LGBT people have experienced a hate crime because of their sexual orientation in the past year and over half of trans people have been subjected to a hate crime due to their gender identity.
Around a quarter of LGBT people avoid some streets due to safety concerns and 13 per cent have been discriminated against in a bar, restaurant or club venue. Trans people in particular still experience appalling levels of abuse on social media and are on the receiving end of misinformation and direct attacks from TV and print media.
That’s why Unite Equalities continues to work hard to campaign for more inclusive workplaces and safer communities for LGBT+ people across the country. We’re particularly keen for more LGBT+ Unite members to get involved, contact your regional equalities officer for further information.

Behold Ye Ramblers - Townsend Theatre Productions - Crediton
2024-05-17 20:30 - 22:30
