The Unions21 Podcast: Recent Episodes
Unions 21
In the new Unions21 podcast, James Morris, MD at global comms/PR firm Edelman, shares his thoughts on how unions can maximise political influence – a key concern given the General Election result. What he has to say could, depending on your own views, delight and alarm in equal measure. What are the issues that both unite us and have traction? How can we use social media to best effect (hint: it’s not all about likes and retweets)? What’s the right relationship with non-Labour trade union networks? Will the Tories who broke down Labour’s “red wall” make any positive difference? You can read James’s blog here, and access all Unions21 podcasts here. With Becky Wright and Simon Sapper. Sound recording by Henry Skewes. A Makes You Think production.
The Change Challenge is sometimes defined as knowing things have to be different but not how to make them so. Trade unions and other membership organisations often find the appetite for change in a “light bulb” moment usually accompanied by some kind of organisational crisis – the same point at which many are running for cover under well-worn security blankets.
Yet if the only thing that is inevitable and constant is change, how can unions make it work both for their organisation and their members?
In the new Unions21 podcast, Beckyand Simon discuss all this and more with change experts and gurus Betsy Dillner, Principle Director of the Social Change Agency, and Dean Rogers, Director of Industrial Strategy at the Society of Radiographers. Dean’s case study involves the National Association of Probation Officers
If you have examples of change initiatives in your organisation, we’d love to hear about it: info@unions21.org.uk.
The Unions21 podcast is a Makes-You-Think production. Music by the Computer Music All Stars, used on a Creative Commons.
Access all episodes here.
In the latest @unions21 podcast, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk with @JohnForth and @MathiasA about union organising models - specifically why unions are in the grip of a #costdisease, what that means, how it can be detected and what can be done about it. This coincides with the publication of our new paper, downloadable from the Unions21 site - and where you will also be able to complete our special podcast survey. Music is by the Computer Music Allstars, used on a Create Commons Licence. A Makes-You-Think production.
We want to know how the Unions21 podcast makes you feel! Here is your chance to tell us what you like, what you want and what you need to keep on listening and sharing. To access the survey click here Visit www.unions21.org.uk/podcasts to access all our episodes!
The 2019 Unions21 Conference showcased a veritable powerhouse of ideas and experiences on the most pressing issues facing the labour movement today – how to make the future of work one in which artificial intelligence and digital transformation are our servants and not masters. The panelists and speakers captured in this special episode, in order of appearance, and for your listening pleasure, are:
Sue Ferns, Chair of Unions 21 and Senior Deputy General Secretary, Prospect
Ivanna Bartoletti, Women Leading in AI and Chair, Fabian Women’s Network
Gill Dix, Head of Workplace Policy, ACAS
Anthony Painter, RSA Action and Research Centre
Natasha Kizzie, Google LCS UK, Industry Manager Government
Christina Colclough, UNi Global Union
Anthony Hayes, TUC
Alison Charlton, Digital Marketing Manager, Unison
Becky Wright, Executive Director, Unions 21
Dean Rogers, Assistant General Secretary, NAPO
Prof Mel Simms, University of Glasgow
To find out more, click on the links above, but you can also listen to Christina Colclough’s podcast here, and find out more about the Australian Fair Wage Anthony Hayes referred to here. Anthony’s case study was the Australian Hospitality Workers’ Digital Union We’re also happy to give a shameless plug for Mel Simms’ new book.
All the Unions21 podcasts can be accessed here.
Our thanks to everyone who came to the conference in any and every capacity. Sign up for the Unions 21 newsletter and please download, stream, share, review, rate – but above all, enjoy.
Our photo shows (from l to r) Natasha Kizzie, Anthony Hayes, Becky Wright and Christina Colclough at the conference. Credit D Robertson.
A Makes You Think production.
In this special episode, Simon meets the team from Thompsons solicitors, to talk about their work on behalf of unions and their members. Joined by Lorna Webster, Linda Millband and Tom Jones, the discussion takes in some key campaigns – Patients before Profits (the medical negligence represented by mesh implants), Asbestos Past But Present (justice for those suffering with often fatal asbestos-related diseases), Small Claims – Big Impact (trying to avert changes to small claims cases that will adversely affect claimants) and #Feeding FatCats (seeking more responsibility and accountability from insurance companies).
If you’re a Unions21 stakeholder or supporter and have a good story to share, please let us know! Info@unions21.org.uk.
A Makes-You-Think production.
This is the first of two podcasts capturing the highlights of our 2019 conference, held last month at the splendidly refurbished offices of the International Transport workers’ Federation (thanks very much for having us).
Part 2 will look at the Future of Work and the impact of digital tech and AI. Thisepisode is all about that other burning issue – collective voice in the 21stcentury. We hear from Mike Clancy, Andrea Genaro, Mel Simms and Danny Mortimer, all under the watchful eyes of Baroness Margaret Prosser and U21 Executive Director Becky Wright.
There are also contributions from Denise Linay, Betsy Dillner, Nick Child and Judy Shaw. A full running order is below.
With the report from our Commission for Collective Voice being published on 26 June, this podcast is the perfect companion, explainer and foil. You can join the debate by emailing us at info@unions21.org.uk, or tweeting us @unions21. We’d love to hear your views.
You can access all Unions21 podcasts here. A Makes-You-Think production
Please download, stream, share, like, subscribe, review, but above all, enjoy.
Running Order
- Becky Wright, Unions21
- Margaret Prosser,* Commission on Collective Voice
- Mike Clancy, Prospect
- Andrea Garnero,* OECD
- Danny Mortimer*, NHS Employers’
- Mel Simms*, University of Glasgow
- Nick Child, Royal College of Midwives
- Mel Simms and Danny Mortimer on youth engagement
- Betsy Dillner, Social Change Agency
- Denise Linay, Royal College of Midwives
- Judy Shaw, National Association of Head Teachers
The survey that Andrea refers to is his contribution can be found here.
*pictured
We welcome Andy Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of England to the last podcast of the current series. Andy spoke with us in his capacity as the chair of the Industrial Strategy Council– charged with holding the government to account over its delivery (or not) of the strategy’s objectives.
We made clear our surprise and concern at the apparent absence of any trade union input into the strategy when it was published. Can Andy say anything to reassure us? Will the Council be watch dog or a lap dog? And would increasing wages be a route to higher productivity? Becky also reflects about the quality of union democracy after a visit to the TCO conference in Stockholm.
Thanks as ever for your support: We’ll be back with series 5 in September. A Makes-You-Think production.
As the POTUS pays us a visit, we talk with Damon Silvers, Director of Policy and Special Counsel at the AFL-CIO, America’s TUC. In a 2013 article, the Washington Post asked “Can Damon Silvers save organized labor?”
That question is even more important today, as a hostile environment rages against organised labour in the US.
But we found Damon in optimistic mood, highlighting strike activity and community organising as positive signs in a difficult climate. He also makes the case for organised labour being a guardian of democracy itself. Along the way we also tip our hats to the work of author Edward Bellamy and film-maker Robert Zemeckis.
What’s the connection between Bellamy and Zemeckis and unions in the 21stcentury? And is that Washington Post article true? Have a listen and decide for yourself.
A Makes-You-Think production.
In this Unions21 podcast special, Becky and Simon chat with the UCU’s General Secretary-elect, Dr Jo Grady. What makes the next incumbent of one of education’s top jobs get out of bed in the morning? Was she really, literally, born into the labour movement? And what is her vision for the union she will now lead? Jo also discusses her widely-admired research work on how a transaction-based approach has permeated almost every area of life – and the threat/challenge this poses to working people and their unions. This episode was held in purdah during the UCU election but can now be set free! A Makes-You-Think production
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Becky and Simon spend some time with Jess Phillips MP, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Women and Work. Along the way, we talk childcare (why describing it as low-skill is so wide of the mark) why it’s good to laugh (“gags are supposed to be funny, that’s the point”), and why we shouldn’t be grateful when we win. If we categorise people as either “radiators” or “drains”, there’s no doubt Jess is in the former camp. We give a shout-out to a great work by NAPO in overturning the government’s deeply flawed part-privatisation of the probation service. A Makes-You-Think production
Non-compliance is a major issue – for being paid at least at the statutory levels, for equipment and working practices being safe. You can have all the positive legislation in the world, but effective enforcement is needed to make good intentions a day-to-day reality.
In our latest podcast, Becky and Simon talk with David Metcalf, Director of the Office of Labour Market Enforcement. What are the key parts to his strategy and why?
In a wide ranging and candid discussion, we also look at the current trends in thinking on how enforcement might develop and the restructuring of existing agencies, and anticipate a fresh consultative exercise from the government on just that point. A Makes-you-Think production.
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Beckyand Simon talk to Christina Colclough and Jonnie Penn about their work with the 20m strong UNi Global Union and the Future World of Work project. Are the fears for the future justified? How can we use this new technology to our benefit? There is no one better qualified or more articulate on this most pressing of subjects. A Makes-You-Think production
In the latest Unions21 podcast, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk to ACAS chair Brendan Barber. What is the future for this paragon of tripartite social partnership? We think you will be surprised and encouraged! We also preview the forthcoming U21 conference, and definitely absolutely do not give away any Avengers movie spoilers. Honest. A Makes-You-Think production. #DontSpoilTheEndGame
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Simonand Becky tackle the issue of how to ensure that collective worker voice is embodied in the UK’s industrial strategy-
both a live and challenging issue. To get a different perspective, we spent some time with the Shadow Minister responsible for this policy area, Labour’s Chi Onwurah talking about this and her work as chair of the All-party Parliamentary Group on diversity and inclusivity in STEM, Also in this episode: the challenge of organising in Amazon, four day working weeks (or not) at the Welcome Trust, and how to get your U21 Conference tickets. A Makes-you-Think production.
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Becky and Simon talk to Danny Mortimer– chief executive of the NHS Employers’ organisation. The lack of co-ordination and appetite amongst employers is frequently cited as a major inhibitor of good industrial relations and collective bargaining. So, when the lead negotiator for the employers of the largest workforce in the country offers to spend some time sharing his thoughts, that seems a good opportunity – to gain some insights and test some bona fides.We also preview the Unions21 conference – tickets available now - and following listener comments, extend our union recognition debate to Canada. A Makes-You-Think production.
In the latest Unions21podcast, Becky and Simon talk union recognition with Paul Day of the Pharmacists’ union PDAU. In a David-and Goliath tale for our times, hear how a retail/pharma giant was called out by their own staff. We also run the rule over reports from ETUI, ONS and ETUC about the current and future world of work and give a plug to Waterstones workers' campaign to be paid the Living Wage. A Makes-You-Think production.
The new series of Unions21podcasts kicks off with Becky and Simon spending time with New Zealand trade unionists Andrea Fromm and Kirsten Windelov, of the 70,000 strong Public Services Association.
Although 12,000 miles and 13 time zones away, there are important lessons to learn from impressive initiatives like collective bargaining rights for freelancers and platforms that promote worker rights rather than abuse them.
Closer to home, we also look at the fantastic victory of the Pharmacists Defence Association Union (or PDA for short) in their campaign for recognition in Boots, and
celebrate the outlawing of zero-hour contracts in Ireland.
We send sympathy and condolences to those affected by the terrorist acts in Christchurch on 15 March. You can read the PSA statement here.
A Makes-You-Thinkproduction.
In the latest Unions21 podcast, as we come to the end of this year’s TUC HeartUnions week, Becky and Simon look at some of the many things that have been going on to highlight the good and wonderfully varied things that unions do. A Makes You Think production
In the season finale, and last episode of 2018, Becky Wright and Simon Sapper look at the Government’s new commitments on worker rights– and highlight what really needs to happen to address one-sided flexibility in employment. We also look back over a memorable podcasting year, with the help of Michele Stanistreet ,Gavin Kelly and Charlotte Bence,and lay out a roadmap for work on Collective Worker Voice and other matters in 2019. A peaceful and happy new year to all our listeners. A Makes-You-Think production
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Becky Wright and Simon Sapper explore how collective bargaining can control the use of algorithms with Fredrik Nilson and Fredrik Soederqvist from Swedish union Unionen. Just how did they make that happen and recruit 100,000 extra members as well? And most importantly of all – could it happen here too? A Makes-you-Think production.
In the latest Unions 21podcast, Becky Wright and Simon Sapper talk with Vic Barlow about the unbreakable links between organising and communications -and how notions of strategic choice underpin both. Drawing on her work for teaching unions ATL and NEU, Vic gives us a masterclass in good practice in this vital area for unions and all membership organisations. A Makes-You-Think production
In the latest Unions21podcast, Becky Wright grills the three trade union members of the Low Pay Commission - Kate Bell, Kay Carberryand our own Simon Sapper– on the process and politics of recommending increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. Hear how such a blatant intervention in the labour market has delivered for the poorest paid in our society – and many more besides. A Makes-You-Think production.
If you have something to say on low pay – either a piece of research, or a suggestion for people or places the Commission should talk to - then please do get in touch with the Commission secretariat.
British film, tv and theatre is a big, big success story; a source of national pride, entertaining and audiences across the world and earning millions for the UK. But why do so many performers work in such precarious conditions – and what can be done about it. In the latest Unions 21 podcast, Becky Wright and Simon Sapper talk with Charlotte Bence of Equity about the “professionally made, professionally paid” campaign targeting low pay in the sector – and discover that the organising tools used here could, should and do have a resonance across the economy, irrespective of industry. A Makes-You-Think production.
Linked podcasts are: New Deal or New Serfdom(published 18 May 2018) and our Brexit Special(published 7 September 2017)
In the NEW Unions21 #podcast, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk Brexit, civil service neutrality, and political abuse @Amy_Leversidge of the FDA union. All reasons why workers need a Collective Voice at work.
Hey - it's the NEW @Unions21 #podcast: workers on the board, employment rights from day 1, collective voice and @Works_For_Us plus @ChrisFWright of @Sydney_uni gives an Aussie perspective on labour relations. With @simonsapper & @beckyunions21
During his discussion, Chris signposts a number of “good reads”. The links are:
Gooberman, Leon, Hauptmeier, Marco and Heery, Edmund, 2018. Contemporary employer interest representation in the United Kingdom. Work, Employment and Society, 32(1), pp.114-132. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0950017017701074
Kochan, Thomas A. 2018. What Would Frances Perkins Do? Boston Review, 29 August. https://bostonreview.net/politics/thomas-kochan-what-would-frances-perkins-do
Thelen, Kathleen, 2014. Varieties of Liberalization and the New Politics of Social Solidarity. Cambridge University Press. http://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/political-economy/varieties-liberalization-and-new-politics-social-solidarity?format=PB
Baccaro, Lucio and Howell, Chris, 2017. Trajectories of Neoliberal Transformation: European Industrial Relations Since the 1970s. Cambridge University Press.
http://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/comparative-politics/trajectories-neoliberal-transformation-european-industrial-relations-1970s?format=PB
The @unions21 podcast is one year old! To celebrate, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper joined the TUC Congress in Manchester to catch up with the newest General Secretary on-the-block USDAW's Paddy Lillis to find out how his union recruits NINETY THOUSAND members a year, @AntoniaBance spells out the TUC’s major new WORKSMART initiative, and we review our standing-room only fringe events, on Digital Transformation, and Collective Voice with voxpops from our stellar speakers including Rachel Reeves, Alison Charlton, Jenny Andrew, Jon Skewes Ali Milani and Amy Leversidge. Henry Skewes is our Production Assistant. A Makes-You-Thinkproduction.
Good governance is at the heart of all organisations and unions are no different. It is, literally, the difference between success and failure. In the fifth and final Unions21 bite-sized masterclass, Claire Sullivan from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy talks about what her union has done to ensure its structures do not just reflect members’ priorities, but also empowers them. There is expert analysis from Becky Wright, SPERI’s Tom Hunt, and Simon Sapper. We welcome the support of the University of Sheffield's Political Economy Research Institute, known as SPERI, and Beyond Trafficking and Slavery on openDemocracy. (Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is non-profit project combining clear writing with rigourous scholarship to help everyone better understand exploitation in the world of work. Find out more at opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery.) Music courtesy of Podsummit.com. Photocredit: CSP. A Makes-you-Think production.
In this fourth Unions21 bite-size masterclass, Garry Elliott from Nautilus International talks about organising across national borders, and how this modestly-sized union secured a global deal with multinational giant Shell. There is expert analysis from Becky Wright, SPERI’s Tom Hunt, and Simon Sapper. We welcome the support of the University of Sheffield's Political Economy Research Institute, known as SPERI, and Beyond Trafficking and Slavery on openDemocracy. (Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is non-profit project combining clear writing with rigourous scholarship to help everyone better understand exploitation in the world of work. Find out more at opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery.) Music courtesy of Podsummit.com. Photo credit: Nautilus Int. A Makes-you-Think production.
In this third Unions21 bite-size masterclass, we range from Martin Luther King to "Fortnite", exploring how social movements and gaming technologies can be best harnessed in support of labour movement organising and education. Dr Peter Bloom, from the Open University Business School takes us across the “mobile divide” and explains why it is so important. There is expert analysis from Becky Wright, SPERI’s Tom Hunt, and Simon Sapper. We welcome the support of the University of Sheffield's Political Economy Research Institute, known as SPERI, and Beyond Trafficking and Slavery on openDemocracy. (Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is non-profit project combining clear writing with rigourous scholarship to help everyone better understand exploitation in the world of work. Find out more at opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery.) Music courtesy of Podsummit.com. Photogrpah copyright of the Open University. A Makes-you-Think production.
In this second Unions21 bite-size masterclass, Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union speaks on how levels of engagement and union education were transformed by embracing the need of members for continuing professional development (CPD). There is expert analysis from Becky Wright, SPERI’s Tom Hunt, and Simon Sapper. We welcome the support of the University of Sheffield's Political Economy Research Institute, known as SPERI, and Beyond Trafficking and Slavery on openDemocracy. (Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is non-profit project combining clear writing with rigourous scholarship to help everyone better understand exploitation in the world of work. Find out more at opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery.) Music courtesy of Podsummit.com. A Makes-you-Thinkproduction.
In this first Unions21 bite-size masterclass, ProspectGeneral Secretary Mike Clancy speaks on why and how there must be a renaissance in private sector trade unionism. There is expert analysis from Becky Wright, SPERI’s Tom Hunt, and Simon Sapper. We welcome the support of welcome the support of the University of Sheffield's Political Economy Research Institute, known as SPERI, and Beyond Trafficking and Slavery on openDemocracy. (Beyond Trafficking and Slavery is non-profit project combining clear writing with rigourous scholarship to help everyone better understand exploitation in the world of work. Find out more at opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery.) Music courtesy of Podsummit.com. A Makes-you-Think production.
In the finale to their second series of @Unions21 podcasts, @beckunions21 and @simonsapper tackle the under-reported scourge of domestic violence, why it is a trade union issue and how we could do worse than follow the example of New Zealand. The heat wave - and what employers should be doing about it - receives special attention. And Prof Mel Simms sets out her views on “where next’ for the world of work, and what she and her academic colleagues will be focussing on next. Real blue-sky stuff, you won’t want to miss. Supported by the university of Glasgow. Production assistant Henry Skewes, A Makes-You-Think production.
In the latest @unions21podcast, @simonsapper and @beckyunions21 talk to @NUJofficial General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet – about the Carrie Gracie/BBC pay row, gender pay equality and public service broadcasting. Becky and Michelle also talk frankly about their experiences as working Mums, and why taking maternity leave sometimes seems more necessary than possible. A Makes-You-Think production.
In the latest @unions21 podcast, @beckyunions21 is inspired by her visit to Swedish trade union centre TCO. Together with @simonsapper, leading academic Andy Hodder is quizzed on youth engagement, digital campaigning and Britain’s Got Talent (well our unions have, at least). And as the long-awaited Commission on Collective Voice is launched, we hear from Margaret Prosser and Mike Clancy about it’s purpose and mission. Supported by the University of Glasgow. A Makes-You-Thinkproduction.
Last week the US Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Janus case– designed to wreak havoc in US unions’ organisation and finances. Was this a torpedo below the waterline, or an own-goal? What are US unions doing to respond and what lessons are there for us here in the UK?. What was the case all about anyway? @beckyunions21discusses all this with @UCB Labor Centerchief @kjacobs9in this soecial edition. Hosted by @simonsapper, A Makes-you-Thinkproduction.
In the latest @unions21 podcast, @simonsapper and @beckyunions21 get the inside story from Paul Day on how the pharmacists’ union PDAU took on Boots – and won but needed to trigger the UK’s first union derecognition ballot to do so. Joe Dromey from IPPR tells us why now the best time for unions is to impact on public policy. We get on our soapbox to deliver a few home truths as Pimlico Plumbers lose another court battle over the status of their workers and assess the prospects for the IWGB’s as they secure leave to appeal against a judgement that says Deliveroo riders are self-employed. Contact us at info@unions21.org.uk. A Makes-You-Think production.
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper celebrate #TUC150 with leading academic @janeholgate. Are the latest #union membership stats a cause for optimism or despair? There are glimmers of light like the #HandsOffOurTips campaign at TGIs. Can #community organising succeed where industrial organising has hit problems? And what can we learn from @unigloabalunion ‘s success in getting a deal from Amazon in Italy? This @unions21 podcast is supported by the University of Glasgow. A Makes-you-Think production assisted by Henry Skewes
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk the future of unions with @GavinJKelly1. It’s not for the faint-hearted! And we have an EXCLUSIVE with @angelaeagle, discussing her book The New Serfdom, co-authored with @Imi_Ahmed. Plus What Next after the TUC New Deal demo, and did SuRie do the right thing at Eurovision. A Makes-you-Think production
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk organising, worker voice, the McStrike, recognition and the UCU pensions dispute with leading academic and union activist Mel Simms. Also in this episode: How the PDA-Union are breaking new ground with their #2780Pharmacists twitter campaign to achieve recognition. This episode has been supported by the University of Glasgow. A Makes-You-Think production.
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper introduce a total of 22 contributors' "best bits" from the 2018 @Unions21Conference #U21Conf18) , which saw the launch of our Roadmap To Renewal - a practical guide to adressing key questions unions simply cannot duck on organisaing, education, worker voice and digital campaigning. Plus the full soundtrack (in English) to the already iconic #LikeASwede campaign to support collective bargianing.
We’re back! In this first episode of series 2, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper discuss the end of precarious working at DPD couriers, why we should all be more #LikeASwede, and what we can learn from Dutch union Kunstenbond’s experiment with a flexible subscription model. And we spend time with @tweetingantonia Jennings (pictured) of @economyasks demystifying just what economics is and how we can make it work for us. Plus a preview of our national conference on 13 April. A Makes-You-Think production
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper review #HeartUnions week, the government's response to the #TaylorReview and talk to Claire Sullivan of @theCSP about her union's mission to make us all healthier. Plus all you need to know about the @unions21 conference. This is the last of the present series - but we will be back with Series 2 later in the year. A Makes-You-Think production
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk modern employment practices with author of the government's review @rsaMatthew Taylor. Can greater employee voice lead to better work and stronger unions? Can we have "good" work without tax refrom? Whether you are an optimist or skeptic, and wherever you sit on the political spectrum, this is a disucssion you must not miss! Also on this episode - Ryanair recognition, Carillion clear-up, Bombardier saved, BBC pay, and the latest news from @unions21 - and move over Kirsty and Phil, there's a new duo on the block! A MakesYouThink production
In the first @unions21 podcast of 2018, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper mull over @BBCCarrie Gracie's resignation as BBC China lead, the @goldenglobes "black dress" protest, and chat to Maria Ludkin of the @GMB_union about how#Uber was brought to book.
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper take aim at government failings on Brexit impact analysis, why this matters so much to unions, and @JonSkewes talks about how an alliance between health unions and employers is taking action to plug this alarming gap. A makes-you-think production. (Photocredit - Bloomberg/Getty)
@beckyunions21 and @simonsapper dissect the government's Industrial Strategy, analyse the union-related consequences of the David Davis Brexit row, and chat to @Kevin_Maguire about how to get our stories in the news. Simon muses over new versions of old favourites - "Strictly Come Organising" or "Britain's Got Unions" anyone? Becky reports back from the #Time2Shine event, and you can find out how to get tickets for our 2018 conference. A makes-you-think production
@simonsapper and @beckyunions21 review the latest union news and chat with @francesogrady about @The_TUC's forth-coming 150th anniversary, the importance of organising and the overwhelming business case for a pay rise for Britian in this week's #Budget17. Plus a round-up of the latest @Unions21 events.
10 November is the day after which women work for free for the rest of the year – that’s the impact of the pay gap between men and women. This @unions21 podcast, made specially for @ProspectUnion, is about how and why the union celebrates Equal Pay Day. @simonsapper talks to DGS @FernsSue and Head of @ProspectLegal, Marion Scovell on the union’s ongoing work, and increasing success, in ending gender based pay discrimination. A Makes-You-Think production. Photcredit: Getty Images
What's the difference between a gender pay audit and equal pay itself? And what's the role of unions in this? @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper look to answer these questions in discussion with Philippa Newis of ACAS. We review how Weinstein has come to Westminster and why collective action on this is a force for good. Finally a "heads up" on why Susan Calman gets our vote to win Strictly. The @unions21 podcast is a Makes-You-Think production
Becky Wright and Simon Sapper discuss the latest developments in the union world, from why the Weinstein scandal is an issue to a new report on the use of digital information and technology. Featuring contributions from Nick Anstead (LSE), Andrew Pakes (Prospect) and Gail Johnson (RCM). Plus a full round up of forthcoming U21 events. This episode has been sponsorted by Pellacraft (www.pellacraft.com) A Makes-You-Think production.
Becky Wright and Simon Sapper review TUC Congress 2017: Brexit, a New Deal for Workers, and a virtual branch meeting with 60,000 people! With content from Frances O'Grady, Dave Ward and Chris Webb. www.unions21.org.uk @unions21, info@unions21.org.uk
This first episode of the U21 Podcast includes a preview of the 2017 TUC Congress, and features an report from the launch of our Brexit Forum, with contributions from EU nationals living and working in the UK, plus Jon Skewes and Breedagh Hughes from the RCM and Vic Taylor and Dave Penman from the FDA. Your hosts are Simon Sapper and U21 Director Becky Wright. Produced by Makes-You-Think