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 programme but that is by no means the only string to its bow. Glasgow Univesity’s Professor of Work and Employment…

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 of the spoils – but of course, the world’s not like that. So the union is keeping the pressure on with the…

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 phase, Simon and leading union lawyer Richard Arthur dissect the issues, place the Act in context, and point…

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 journalists, academics and researchers. But how did it all start. What is the story of Rob and Henry’s journe…

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. Also, Prof Melanie Simms on why knowledge and social partnership are key ingredients for union effectivenes…

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 strikes”, and why Julian Assange should be decorated rather than demonised. In her #thought4theweek, Mel Simms…

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 Podcast Network, and why Joe Biden standing on a picket line with a bull-horn is a game-changer. Timestamps: Mel…

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 remedies, and effective union campaigns – on awareness, prevention, reporting, monitoring and, of course, r…

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 the union-Labour relationship (she is also vice-chair of TULO)? What life is like in the CWU at present given …

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 d…

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 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…

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 Basit Mahmood guides us through care homes being insourced by local authorities, care workers at breakin…

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 entirely innocent of. He is joined by author of The Great Post Office Scandal Nick Wallis, former Fed Executiv…

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 the theory that underpins this regulation in her #thought4theweek. Spoiler alert – both Alice and Mel conclud…

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…

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 of digital organising, and Basit Mahmood brings us union stories you won’t see in mainstream media in the …

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 Royal Medical Colleges and the British Medical Journal. Also featuring Prof Mel Simms #thought4theweek and…

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 algorithms and "robo-firings" and ADCU's common cause with sister union GMB. UnionDues is part of the Labor Radio P…

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 collection of Matchgirls-inspired poems and prose is available here. Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes and …

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 have missed. Companion blog at bit.ly/IndustryWithoutArt. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production.…

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 and organising are not the same, and Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp. Music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog …

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 Josiah Mortimer brings us up-to-date with his #RadicalRoundUp. Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e5blog. Music b…

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 product…

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 recognise the 1888 Matchgirls' strike, plus Josiah Mortimer and David Kerr with the #RadicalRoundUp. Compani…

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 #Radical…

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 bl…

UnionDues 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 a…

UnionDues 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 @DuesUnionuniondues

With 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 fort…

In 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 ge…

The 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 remai…

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 offic…

In 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 challe…

The 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…

With 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 willingn…

The 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…

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 somethin…

In 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 unio…

In 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 poet…

The 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,…

Covid 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 w…

In 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 servi…

In 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…

Simon 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 …

In 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 900,00…

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 platfor…

The 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 …

UnionDues 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 landscap…

In 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 inclusivit…