Shows
UnionDuesProtecting workers from violence at workSociety seems, somehow, to be getting more violent. And that means that working life is more likely to experience violent incidents – which means, of course, workers are more at risk.
Understanding what drives this trend, and gathering together the many and various ways unions are seeking to protect their members is the mission of a new publication for the Labour Research Department. In a special episode we chat with report author Andrea Oates.
You can grab yourself a 15% saving on the cover price of the LRD pamphlet by visiting lrd.org.uk and using the code...
2025-03-0536 minUnionDuesUnion building in the NHS feat. Louise ChinneryLet me run a few stats by you: £104 million in recovered back pay, £41 million in members’ pay per year going forward, 5000 new members recruited and 164 days of Industrial action with employers who refused to engage. They are the results, so far, of Unison's campaign to recruit and organise Health Care Assistants in the NHS. National officer Louise Chinnery tells us how it was done - and what she and the union of learned in the process. First broadcast as an Organising For A Change episode in November 2024. More backgound/links/signposting in this blogpost
2024-11-2431 min
UnionDuesLondon Recruits movie: Unions set to make vital difference10 years in the making and anti-apartheid docu-drama-thriller movie London Recruits premieres in November. In this special episode, Director and writer Gordon Main chats about the making of the film and the vital role unions and trade unionists have in making it the UK's most successful independent movie launch ever! Companion blog here. Running time 26m07s. A Makes You Think production
2024-09-0926 min
UnionDuesPutting education at the heart of the movement - feat. Gawain Littlein 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 programme but that is by no means the only string to its bow.
Glasgow Univesity’s Professor of Work and Employment, Melanie Simms also has education on her mind as she ponders new academic new work on understanding the importance of effective employment law, in her #thought4theweek
Run time 39m50s.
Companion blog for links...
2024-01-1039 min
UnionDuesMusicians’ Union chief on song in key campaignsIn 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 of the spoils – but of course, the world’s not like that. So the union is keeping the pressure on with their #FixStreaming campaign.
Naomi also discusses the Work Not Play and Fair Play campaigns, and the increasingly successful efforts to get the better venues to publicise their bona fides in terms of prompt and fair payme...
2023-12-2032 minUnionDuesSpecial toolkit episode - Minimum Service LevelsIn 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 phase, Simon and leading union lawyer Richard Arthur dissect the issues, place the Act in context, and point out why government hopes for union disempowerment are fundamentally flawed.
Ioannis Katsaroumpas’ article on why the Act crosses the Rubicon of authoritarianism is here. The report from the Parliamentary Transport Committee is here.
Run time 14m11s. Music by Scott Holmes. A Ma...
2023-12-0614 minUnionDuesAll about StrikeMap - feat. Rob Poole and Henry FowlerStrikeMap 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 journalists, academics and researchers.
But how did it all start. What is the story of Rob and Henry’s journey that led them to StrikeMap? Where did the idea come from and what did it take to put it into practice? What needs to happen just to keep the project going?
From being "...
2023-11-2957 min
UnionDuesForwards and Outwards - feat Becky Wright, Melanie SimmsUnions21 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. Also, Prof Melanie Simms on why knowledge and social partnership are key ingredients for union effectiveness. Companion blog at bit.ly/3QznZpe
Timestamps - Becky 1m31s, Mel 30m52s Total runtime 37m17s.
A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes. If you like what you hear, buy us a virtual coffee at ko-fi.com/uniondues
2023-11-1437 min
UnionDuesIt’s not just about strikes feat.Alan JonesIn 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 strikes”, and why Julian Assange should be decorated rather than demonised. In her #thought4theweek, Mel Simms urges more public discourse on the role and function of unions – and so say all of us! Companion blog here
2023-10-3130 minUnionDuesBread, roses and solidarity from across the seaIn 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 Podcast Network, and why Joe Biden standing on a picket line with a bull-horn is a game-changer.
Timestamps: Melanie Simms 2m02s, Chris Garlock 7m06s, Discussion on the US labor movement starts at 17m40s. Total running time 27m18s. A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes
2023-10-1827 minUnionDuesSexual Harassment - A trade union issueIn 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 remedies, and effective union campaigns – on awareness, prevention, reporting, monitoring and, of course, representation.
Sadly union structures are not immune from misogyny and sexual harassment: three successive reports by KCs showed how the GMB, RCN and TSSA unions had become delinquent with awful consequences for female staff and activists. No surprise that the #meTUwomen came into being to gi...
2023-06-2858 minUnionDuesNew TUC President Maria Exall on activism, faith and sexualityIn 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 the union-Labour relationship (she is also vice-chair of TULO)? What life is like in the CWU at present given most of the union's members are in dispute? Access all episodes at bit.ly/DuesUnion. Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production.
2022-11-1531 minUnionDuesThe GMB/Deliveroo deal - a masterclass in negotiation or cynical PR move?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 exercise”? In this special episode Deliveroo’s Joe Carberry and GMB’s Mick Rix discuss with Simon how the deal came to be, what it covers (and what it doesn’t), and why both believe the deal could be a blueprint for the modern world of work. Companion blog at bit.ly/Loudshirts. Music by Scott Holmes. A Make...
2022-06-1545 minUnionDuesKnowledge is power - how can unions use data?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 better decision making, but also sets the stage for wholesale cultural change in unions, driving improvements in organising, servicing and governance based on evidence-based allocation of resources and investing in a sharing-based rather than silo-based way of working. With case studies from Linda Kelly (Forsa) and Melantha Chittendnen (Community). Companion blog here. Music by Scott...
2022-04-2748 minUnionDuesReach, information, persuasion - successful union comms w/Kevin SlocombeIn 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 for Bristol’s Mayor, Marvin Rees - not one but three roles that are each fascinating in their own way, but not often open for viewing and discussion. Kevin’s assessment of what works best in comms is one that comes with real authority. We also have Mel Simms’ #thought4theweek direct from the UCU picket line, Basit Mahmood with his #Radic...
2022-02-2243 minUnionDuesDouble delightSimon 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 Basit Mahmood guides us through care homes being insourced by local authorities, care workers at breaking point, Amazon quietly ditching paying people to rebut critical tweets, and the longest ever gig worker strike by Stuart drivers. Plus hear David Rovics play his City Hall Workers' Strike Song. Full details, links etc at bit.ly/3LkrOuM Music by Scot Holmes. A Makes...
2022-02-0832 minUnionDuesThe Great Post Office Scandal - role of postmasters’ union is cause for concernAs 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 entirely innocent of. He is joined by author of The Great Post Office Scandal Nick Wallis, former Fed Executive Council member Mark Baker, and communications union (and refuge for dissident and disillusioned Fed members) national officer Andy Furey. “A jaw-dropping tale of what happens when unions distrust their members and surrender independence.” Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You...
2022-01-2552 minUnionDuesLabour market regulation needs strong unionsIn 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 the theory that underpins this regulation in her #thought4theweek. Spoiler alert – both Alice and Mel conclude that union involvement is essential for decent employment standards. With Basit Mahmood adding his #RadicalRoundUp of union stories that problem won’t get covered n the mainstream media, and you have a bumper 1st edition of 2022. Companion blog for links, etc, here. Part...
2022-01-1152 minUnionDuesAre we there yet? Is the race for gender equality nearly over?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 Guillaume walk us through a landscape that is varied and challenging. But are we moving forwards or falling back? Plus Mel Simms' #thought4theweek and Basit Mahmood's #RadicalRoundup. Time stamps - Mel: 3m06s, Nikki: 6m37s, Cecile: 35m51s, Basit:57m00s. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production.
2021-12-151h 02UnionDuesMaking global solidarity real - w/Eric Lee of LaborStartIn 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 of digital organising, and Basit Mahmood brings us union stories you won’t see in mainstream media in the #RadicalRoundUp. Music by Scott Holmes, part of the Labour Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.
2021-11-3044 minUnionDuesDoctors‘ union finds strength in their members‘ patientsIn 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 Royal Medical Colleges and the British Medical Journal. Also featuring Prof Mel Simms #thought4theweek and Basit Mahmood previews the #RadicalRoundUp. Music by Scott Holmes. Union Message by Luke Roderick/LRPN. A Makes You Think production
2021-11-1643 minUnionDuesUber - cultural change or blatant deceit? With James Farrar, ACDUIn 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 algorithms and "robo-firings" and ADCU's common cause with sister union GMB. UnionDues is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog (for links, signposting, background) here.
2021-08-1833 minUnionDuesFeathers and Pennies - the 1888 Matchgirls and usIn 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 collection of Matchgirls-inspired poems and prose is available here. Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes and The Pete Dunhill Choir. A Makes-You-Think production.
2021-07-2842 minUnionDuesIndustry without Art is Brutality - w/Zita HolbourneFeaturing 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 have missed. Companion blog at bit.ly/IndustryWithoutArt. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. contact the show on uniondues@makes-you-think.com
2021-07-2035 minUnionDuesHow to get 250m workers on strike - w/Ajitesh PandeyThe 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 and organising are not the same, and Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp. Music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog here. A Makes-You-Think production
2021-07-0646 minUnionDuesThe Future of Work - w/ACAS chair Clare ChapmanSimon 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 Josiah Mortimer brings us up-to-date with his #RadicalRoundUp. Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e5blog. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production
2021-06-2240 minUnionDuesThe GMB/Uber deal - how did it happen, what does it mean?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 unions puts the deal in economic and historical context - and nothing is off-limits.
A Makes-You-Think production. music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog here
2021-06-1526 minUnionDuesThis much we know - the union thirst for dataFeaturing 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 recognise the 1888 Matchgirls' strike, plus Josiah Mortimer and David Kerr with the #RadicalRoundUp.
Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e4blog
Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production
2021-06-0839 minUnionDues"We Are All From Somewhere!"In this episode, Mel Simms reports from the front line of community activism on the links with trade unionism in #thought4theweek
Simon chats with Alex Wilson and Jane Jones, two USDAW reps on the challenges shopworkers have faced during Covid and the union's success in recruiting and organising so many young workers.
And Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp has bad news on jobs but an important win from the North West.
Companion blog here
2021-05-2545 minUnionDuesTech workers get unionised!In a jam-packed episode, Simon chats with officers of the new Union of Tech and Allied Workers (UTAW) on organising successes, Mel Simms tackles the enigma of young workers in her #thought4theweek, Nathalie Towner of Labour Research gives us the low-down on negotiating for homeworking, and Josiah Mortimer brings us the #RadicalRoundUp.
Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production.
2021-05-1156 minUnionDuesWhy unions need supply chain strategies - w/John EarlsUnionDues is back for our fourth series.
Simon chats with Unite Director of Research John Earls about the necessity of a trade union approach to trade. You only need to recall the impact of the EverGiven getting stranded in the Suez Canal to recognise its importance.
Unite’s strategy builds on the knowledge of its network of local representatives allied with checklists of what needs to be done to ensure the vice and well-being of workers is embedded in international supply chains.
Also:
Prof Melanie Simms looks at why the blame game...
2021-04-2739 minUnionDuesUnionDues Series 4 TrailerUnionDues is back! series 4 drops on 27 April. This trailer tells you what we have in store! You can contact the show by mailing uniondues@makes-you-think.com or tweeting us @DuesUnion
2021-04-2301 minUnionDuesInternational solidarity and saving lives at work - w/Owen TudorWith Simon Sapper, Mel Simms and Josiah Mortimer.
International Trade Union Confederation Deputy General Secretary Owen Tudor gives us a tour of the global trade union landscape, and the ITUC’s key campaign priority of reducing deaths at work. It is a sobering picture with 5 workplace deaths per minute each and every day
Commemorations for the forthcoming International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April are an important part of the campaign as well as being important in and of themselves – and studies from North America have shown how unionised workplaces offer better health and safety for cust...
2021-03-0945 minUnionDuesJobs, dignity and public service broadcasting - w/Philippa ChildsIn this week’s UnionDues we have an in-depth chat with Philippa Childs, head of media union Bectu
As well as most of Bectu’s substantial freelance members being excluded from government Covid support schemes, there is a new hit as post-Brexit bureaucracy stymies work opportunities in mainland Europe.
The culture of broadcasting, and the media in general, is also very much in Bectu’s sights and tacking the lack of respect and the intersection of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and other protected characteristics is at the forefront of Bectu’s work.
As yo...
2021-03-0231 minUnionDuesWorking safely with Covid, Uber rebuffed and other issuesThe latest UnionDues podcast is dominated by two issues everyone is talking about.
The Supreme Court ruling last week that Uber drivers are indeed workers and not self-employed - It’s a great victory for the GMB and ADCU but in her #Thought4The Week, Mel Simms argues that strong collective bargaining trumps judicial decisions.
The other issue remains Covid. The PM’s statement yesterday encourages us to look to a brighter future but the reality of trying to work safely in a pandemic is the preoccupation of a new publication from the Labour Research Depart...
2021-02-2341 min
Ochenta StoriesThe ProtestJournalist Simon Sapper takes us back in time to 1985, another year marked by protest, when Londoners were taking the streets to support Anti-Apartheid protesters in South Africa. Through this flashback story, we're reminded that global solidarity and community are the most powerful tools we have to help us face this challenging historical moment.CREDITS: This episode was produced by Studio Ochenta. ‘The Protest” was written by Simon Sapper. Simon is a storyteller and campaigner from London. He produces the UnionDues podcast and runs the Makes You Think website. With sound design by Chiara Santella. If you like what you...
2021-02-1818 minUnionDuesWhat price Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity?In the latest UnionDues podcast, we look at members’ networks as a way of meeting the challenges of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, focussing on the pharmacists’ union the PDAU. Their networks have blossomed since being established last year. But you have to pay to join them, and they’re open to non-members. How can this work? We talk to officials and equality activists to find out this is changing not just the union but the whole sector.
Also in this episode, Mel Simms deals with the risks of employee surveillance in an age of home-working in her #thought4thew...
2021-02-1645 minUnionDuesCan mediation deliver a new industrial revolution? - w/David LiddleIn the latest UnionDues podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of mediation. And goodness knows we need to, because unresolved conflict is reported to cost UK businesses £33bn a year. That’s not to mention the stress and misery that unresolved conflict causes workers and their unions. Is beefed up mediation a way forward?
Rising to this challenge is David Liddle, a vastly experienced mediator and CEO of the TCM group. And he’s clear that mediation isn’t just (or even) about reaching agreement. “Whether people agree or not is irrelevant, “ he says “the point is to d...
2021-02-0946 minUnionDuesThe battle for workplace skills and learningThe latest UnionDues podcast focusses on the key union and economic concern of workplace skills and how to get them. Very timely given news of a forthcoming government White Paper on skills for jobs which will give employers a direct role in designing new qualifications starting with the post-16 age band.
But…..will employers be able to respond? In her regular Thought For The Week, Professor Mel Simms spots a flaw – and a challenge – with the government’s approach.
And special guest Kevin Rowan talks about the TUC-led campaign to change the government’s mind about cutti...
2021-01-2631 minUnionDuesStriking report on Unions and Covid - it's ok to innovateWith Simon Sapper, Melanie Simms and Josiah Mortimer.
The first comprehensive survey of how union behaviour has been altered by Covid 19 is featured in the latest UnionDues podcast. Tom Hunt of the Sheffield Political Economic Research Institute and Becky Wright from Unions21 argue that while there are many more questions than answers, the willingness to explore and innovate is the true take-away from the pandemic. Do you agree?
Mel Simms’s Thought For The Week focusses on sick pay and Britain’s culture of presentee-ism. Josiah Mortimer shares his radical round-up of stories you may have miss...
2021-01-1939 minUnionDuesUnions at the heart of government - w/Dave PenmanThe new series of UnionDues kicks off with Simon in discussion with Dave Penman, General Secretary of the senior civil servants’ union, the FDA.
FDA members are at the heart of government – so when legal action is launched by the union against the Prime Minister over ignoring reports of bullying by his Home Secretary, it’s arguably a case of either feeling certain to win or having nothing to lose.
In reality it is neither, but Dave takes us through the background, and the importance of the issues at stake. What he says will shock you (o...
2021-01-1251 minUnionDuesCalifornia's Prop 22: Could the UK be next?A UnionDues special episode. While the Biden-Harris ticket pushed Trump out of the White House, Californian voters adopted Proposition 22 which stripped away employment rights for potentially millions of workers. The worst anti-worker legislation in over 70 years according to some.
But what is Prop 22, and how did it get passed - and could something similar happen here in the UK?
With the help of fellow podcasters from America Workforce, WorkWeek, Union City Radio, KBOO Labor Radio, Working People and The Gig we get to the guts of this landmark issue. Companion blog here, and you can acc...
2020-12-1526 minUnionDuesWhat now for NZ unions after Labour landslide - w/Melissa Ansell-BridgesIn a special UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with Melissa Ansell-Bridges, General Secretary of the New Zealand Council of trade Unions about the prospects and possibilities for workers following NZ Labour’s stunning election victory last month. High on the agenda is delivery of sector-based Fair Pay Agreements which could revolutionise both the union movement and working conditions – but reform of laws on employment status are also a key part of the equation. It’s all to play for! Read the companion blog for more. A Makes-You-Think production
2020-11-1734 minUnionDuesA journey down the Working River - w/ Brian DennyIn this special episode, Simon chats with Brian Denny, curator of the Working River collection of songs and music from those who live and work on the Thames. And what a journey it is.
Although most of the action is in London and Essex, the 21 songs take us the entire length of the river – an emotional and political roller-coaster with tales of poetry and literature, music and the arts, industry and empire. But also, of poverty and strife, struggles and strikes, insurrection and inspiration, from the Nore mutiny to SS Windrush .
A mixture of well-established and new t...
2020-11-1030 minUnionDuesAn epic journey! Postal workers in the twenteens, w/Terry PullingerThe latest UnionDues podcast takes us on an epic industrial journey through the twenteens as seen through the eyes of the Communication Workers’ Union’s 100,000 plus postal members.
Deputy General Secretary Terry Pullinger talks us through a story of privatisation, the rarity of legally binding collective agreements, hello to a destructive new CEO, two massive Yes votes for strike action, good-bye to afore-mentioned CEO, and the challenge of being key workers in a pandemic that’s like a war.
Also in this episode, an update on the campaign to save Unionlearn in England as some Conser...
2020-10-2739 minUnionDuesA Brave New World of work w/Christina ColcloughCovid has dramatically changed the notion of work and workplaces. The growth of “super surveillance” was established before the pandemic hit, but the upsurge in home and remote working has been a massive accelerant. In the latest episode of UnionDues, Simon is joined by Christina Colclough, director of the Why Not lab which looks at the future of work from the workers’ perspective: What can, should and must unions do to safeguard their members, and what’s likely to happen if they don’t.
Also updates on a new Trade Union Advisory Group, a successful outcome for NUJ members...
2020-10-2035 minUnionDuesUnions after Covid - w/Becky WrightIn the latest UnionDues podcast episode, Simon chats with Becky Wright, Executive Director of the Unions21 “think and do” tank. What will unions look like after Covid? What lessons will we learn? That’s the aim of Becky’s new research project (with help from SPERI and ACTU), and we’re all invited to take part.
We also talk pivoting to deliver services and support on-line during the pandemic, why new members are an untapped organising resource, what is strategic corporate research and why you should use it, why member engagement can’t work in isolation – and nor can a digita...
2020-10-1330 minUnionDuesIt's all about organising - w/Rozanne FoyerIn this episode of the UnionDues podcast we feature an in-depth conversation with Scottish TUC General Secretary Rozanne Foyer. Roz took up office in February 2020 and is the 13th holder of the post – and first woman appointed to it.
We covered a lot of ground in our discussion – the Better Than Zero campaign to bring collective voice and action to precarious workers, how Covid has caused a fundamental rethink of what organising means in a period of social distancing and lockdown, working with the Scottish Government, and the ever-present question if Scottish independence – or not.
There’s...
2020-10-0633 minUnionDuesUnions and the self-employment challengeSimon assesses the prospects for growing unionisation of the self-employed, looking at the greater appetite for collective voice and belief that more can be achieved by working together on issues that matter most. Established and new unions are reporting a new enthusiasm with NUJ recruitment up by as much as 60%, and new actors such as The Creator Union coming onto the stage.
But this should be no surprise. The self-employed sector now accounts for 1 in 6 of UK workers, some 5 million people. And 40% of them are on poverty pay. And as becomes sadly clear, the lack of di...
2020-09-2942 minUnionDuesCatwalks and Organising - Unionising the fashion sector w/Jamie BriersIn the latest episode of the UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with Equity National Industrial Organiser Jamie Briers about the relationship between catwalks and unions – epitomised by Equity’s agreement with London Fashion Week’s host – the British Fashion Council.
The fashion industry is worth £35bn a year to the UK economy and employs nearly 900,000 people. And London Fashion Week, taking place right now, is a globally important event..
We also talk about the existential crisis facing British Theatre – and why the £1.5bn aid package from government was nowhere near enough and how the union with others launche...
2020-09-2133 minUnionDuesShavanah Taj on social partnership and movement building, and Congress 2020 - stop gap or springboard?This week’s episode of UnionDues, Simon spends time in the company of Shavanah Taj, who heads up the Wales TUC and takes a look at what the annual TUC Congress can learn from changes forced upon it by the Covid pandemic. Companion blog here .
Email us at uniondues@makes-you-think.com and tweet us @DuesUnion. Rate or review us on the podcast platform of your choice. Thank you.
2020-09-1532 minUnionDuesInside the GFTU, What next for GMB, and Ewan MacColl tooThe latest UnionDues episode goes behind the scenes at the General Federation of Trade Unions – the GFTU is 120 years old, has nearly 50 affiliates and a great track record of building and supporting unions and activists. (Our podcast with Rebecca Winson last series is also relevant here).
The report by Karon Monaghan QC into sexual discrimination and sexism concerns in the GMB is a distressing and deeply disappointing read. It is publicly available on the union’s website and an apology has been promptly issued by the union’s President. We ask what happens next?
Finally, we look b...
2020-09-0840 minUnionDuesUnion website league table and latest union newsUnionDues is back. This first episode of the new series sees Simon chatting with Simon Parry, presenting an exclusive look at this year’s league table of union websites, looking back over unions’ use of IT and spotting the hits and misses, and debating why data security is the most pressing, must-deal issue for us. We survey the industrial landscape and shout out to IWGB, CWU and NUJ members in struggle and see how new unions are developing despite Covid and recession. Companion blog available here. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.
2020-09-0231 minUnionDuesPharmacists: Organising to meet the Covid challengeIn the latest UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with Paul Day, Director of the Pharmacists’ union PDAU. Following an epic campaign, Paul talks about his hopes now for the union-employer relationship, the challenge for pharmacists during coronavirus, and why the crisis was exactly the right time to introduce dedicated equality, diversity and inclusivity networks within the union.
Also
The spat between Parliament’s Education select Committee and teacher unions’ leaders is dissected: If getting everyone back to school was as easy as some think, it would surely have been done by now! But what will it take to make thi...
2020-06-2338 minUnionDuesUnion strength in the financial and mutual sectors - w/Tim RoseIn the latest UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with Nationwide Group Staff Union General Secretary Tim Rose. NGSU are a single employer union but well established and with high density levels, working inside a big player in the world of finance and the world of mutuality.
So how, then, do you retain true independence from the employer? What structures, organisation and governance do you need to maintain that? What are the strengths and advantages of working in this way as opposed to the challenges and constraints?
We also take our regular sweep around the industrial landscapes and t...
2020-06-1644 minUnionDuesBakers' union leader Sarah Woolley breaks glass ceiling!In this episode Sarah Woolley, of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union chats about why it was her duty to stand for the top job, organising in McDonalds and Wetherspoons, and how she can’t get used to people calling her General Secretary. Also, why the British Vogue splash on key workers is a significant “win” for the unions. And how industrial storm clouds are gathering at BA, BT and in the retail sector as bad management practice makes an unwelcome return. The companion blogpost is here. A makes-you-think production
2020-06-0931 minUnionDuesSenior Civil Servants, Flexiworking, Lockdown and Covid w/Victoria JonesIn the latest UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with the FDA’s Victoria Jones about how the union was able to use local pressure from (particularly women) members to build a platform for a Civil Service-wide agreement on flexible working, how implementation was frustrated by a “change-resistant” culture, and what the union did to overcome that. Along the way we touch on the FDA’s response to Covid, and relations between their members and senior politicians. A fascinating insight into how a small but highly influential union has engaged with its members and responded to these unprecedented times.
Also in th...
2020-06-0240 minUnionDuesWhy We Organise - plus Roadmap For A Better RecoveryThe new UnionDues podcast unpicks the TUC’s Better Recovery programme and asks if General Secretary Frances O’Grady was right to declare “Unions Are Back.” New Economic Foundation’s Rebecca Winson tells Simon about the most fun she has had on a picket line, the empowerment that comes with taking strike action and why Birmingham’s Druids Heath will be forever in her heart. Plus a shout out for the Fire Brigades Union as they battle proposed cuts in East Sussex. The companion blog is here. A Makes-You-Think production.
2020-05-2233 minUnionDuesEngaging with Young Workers - and Making Sense Of A Crazy WeekIn the new UnionDues podcast, Simon dissects a tumultuous week, from calls to return to work to an extension of the furlough scheme. He talks with the TUC’s Clare Coatman, author of the Missing Half Million report, on the vital task of driving up youth membership in unions, and reviews the calls for an ambitious new jobs guarantee. Thank you to all our Key Workers. A Makes-You-Think production.
2020-05-1433 minUnionDuesUnion Branding & The Covid Comms ChallengeIn the latest UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with Andrew Pakes about Prospect’s root-and-branch rebranding project, and what happened when he issued a call-to-arms to meet the challenge of Covid. Unions21’s Becky Wright tells us about communicating in a crisis, and we champion the work unions are doing for their members and the public during the pandemic, including CSP, NEU, STUC and CWU. A Makes-You-Think production
2020-05-0450 minUnionDuesThe Membership Journey Made ClearIn the latest episode of the UnionDues podcast Simon and guest Vic Barlow get to grips with Vic’s concept of a membership journey - from “first contact” to signing up to renewing subscriptions each year. And with 54.3 million Britons being part of over 8000 membership organisations, Vic’s ideas have a resonance far outside the labour movement. Also up for debate are the lessons for member engagement from a standout Union response to coronavirus. Plus a round-up of union news and Kate Raworth’s “Doughnut Economics” reviewed. A Makes You Think production.
2020-04-2037 minUnionDuesUnions Go Digital To Meet Covid ChallengeIn the first episode of the UnionDues podcast, Simon chats with the TUC’s Digital guru, John Wood. Is the Covid crisis the ultimate stress test for the work he and others have been carrying out in their Digital Laboratory?
We gather in news stories from unions that you may have missed, wonder how unions will change and be changed by the crisis, and review The Lost Decade, the new book that tries to set the agenda for the 2020s.
Email your comments, thoughts and ideas to uniondues@makes-you-think.com
2020-04-0635 minUnionDuesThe Union Dues podcast is coming!There's a new podcast in town and it's called UnionDues. Hear all about what it is and why it matters. With Simon Sapper. A Makes You Think production
2020-03-2703 min