in this episode we sit down with Gawain Little, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions which this year celebrates it’s 125th birthday. The Federation is possibly best known for its phenomenal education and training program
In the latest UnionDues episode, Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks us through the big issues facing her union’s 34,000 members.Working in a sector worth £7bn, there should be some scope for everyone to get a reasonable share
In this special “toolkit” episode, we look in detail at the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act – where it has come from, and why it is disproportionate, non-consensual and dangerously ill-conceived. As the Act moves into the implementation p
StrikeMap is undoubtedly a slam-dunk success. The brainchild of Rob Poole and Henry Fowler, it is a real time on line map showing industrial action.Now over 230 thousand strike actions have been mapped and StrikeMap’s data is sought out by jo
Unions21 Executive Director Becky Wright on why good governance matters to unions, the role "User Experience Design" (UXD) plays in making things better, forthcoming work on unions and AI and the lessons learned from recent industrial action.
In the new UnionDues episode, Alan Jones reflects on what it’s like to be the “last man standing” amongst industrial correspondents, why the Miner’s strike of 1984-5 was a turning point for unions, how the present unrest “is not just about stri
In the first episode of season 6, Glasgow university's Prof Mel Simms on why we need to talk about use of social media in industrial disputes, and Simon chats with leading US labor podcaster Chirs Garlock about the 200-strong Labor Radio Podcas
In a special episode of the Union Dues podcast, we step into the fray of sexual harassment. Guided by Andrea Oates, author of an excellent new LRD publication on sexual harassment, we drill down into questions of definitions, prevalence legal
In this special episode, we have an in-depth discussion with newly elected TUC president Maria Exall. Is being the first openly LGBTQ+ president a breakthrough moment? What is the interaction between her Catholic faith and activism? How is t
When GMB and Deliveroo announced an agreement covering all 100,000 of the company’s self-employed drivers and riders, it was a bit of a “Shock and Awe” moment. Is this a fantastic feat of negotiation or, as the IWGB union put it “a cynical PR
In this special episode, we look at an important new survey from Unions21 into how unions can use data. Report author Tom Hunt reminds us that, like death and taxes, data has always been with us. But effective use of data not only leads to be
In the latest episode, Simon chats with Kevin Slocombe – for 12 years the Communication Workers’ Union’s Head of Communications before moving on to work with Jeremy Corbyn while he was Leader of the Opposition, and then becoming Chief Of Staff
Simon introduces not one but two helpings of Mel Simms' #thought4theweek - what is the impact of long Covid, and will the looming cost-of-living crisis increase the chances of union successes? There's also a new format expanded #RaicalRoundUp
As the public enquiry into the Horizon IT scandal gears up, Simon looks at the role played by the National Federation of sub-Postmasters, the Fed, in the mass prosecution and conviction of its own members for fraud and theft that they were en
In the latest UnionDues, Simon chats with Alice Martin from PIRC about labour market regulation, enforcement and the scourge of non-compliance. Just why does this matter so much to unions and what is the scope for action? Mel Simms looks at
A bumper episode for the holiday season. With women in union leadership roles increasing, and more women than men in union membership, is the fight for gender equality close to an end? The TUC's Nikki Pound and leading academic Dr Cecile Gui
In the latest UnionDues podcast, global union newsite LaborStart’s founder Eric Lee explains why website hits don’t matter and email campaigning still gets his vote. Glasgow university’s Professor Mel Simms on the power, potential and pitfalls
In the latest episode, Simon chats with doctors’ union Chief Executive Tom Grinyer – lots of weighty issues from what BMA strapline “Looking after doctors so they can look after you” means in practice, to unique relationships with the TUC, the
In this special episode, Simon chats to James about why the UK Supreme Court ruling wasn't the last word on Uber drivers' employment rights, why the company's operating model breeds poverty and pollution, how to organise in a world of algorithm
In this special episode, Simon explores the legacy of the 1888 Matchgirls' strike on union organising, safe working, collective voice and women's emancipation and finds a "golden thread" linking then to now. The Feathers and Pennnies collectio
Featuring Artists' union co-chair Zita Holbourne in conversation with Simon, Professor Mel Simms asks "What are we organising for?" in her #thought4theweek, Josiah Mortimer brings us the latest #RadicalRoundUp of union stories you just may hav
The Indian General Strike at the end of 2020 saw 250 million workers take action. How and why does that happen? What's behind the headlines? Simon chats with senior INTUC officer Ajitesh Pandey to find out. Plus Mel Simms on why mobilising an
Simon chats with Arbitration and Conciliation Service Chair Clare Chapman about fairness, fire-and-rehire and the future of work. Mel Simms wonders if hard hit hospitality workers can look forward to better times, in her #thought4theweek, and
In this special episode, Simon chats with GMB National Organiser Martin Smith on his union's ground-breaking deal with Uber. A candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges of organising in a company known for its hostility to uni
Featuring CSP Head of Data Jenny Andrew and Director of CSI (you'll have to listen to know what that stands for) Jon Mawby. Plus Mel Simms #thought4theweek on why Sustainable Development Goals matter to unions, Sam Johnson on the campaign to r