British trade unions are gathering for their annual meeting in Brighton, sending a clear message to the new Labour government: it’s time to fix public services and improve working conditions. Hosted by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the organization representing a significant portion of trade unions in England and Wales, the conference, running from Sunday to Wednesday, holds particular significance this year. It marks the first TUC congress in 15 years under a Labour government, a development that has the unions energized.
The TUC is prepared to collaborate with the new government after 14 years of Conservative rule, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to address the challenges facing public services. These services have struggled to attract and retain staff due to stagnant salaries and heavy workloads. The Labour Party, historically allied with trade unions, has already taken a crucial first step by guaranteeing above-inflation wage increases for frontline services, many of which have been hit by strikes over the past few years.
However, the TUC believes the government needs to go further and fully compensate civil servants for the erosion of their purchasing power over the past decade and a half. While the newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has promised fiscal discipline, the trade unions are ready to push the centre-left Labour Party on this issue.
The Labour Party’s election manifesto included proposals to ban practices like ‘fire and rehire,’ where employers terminate workers to rehire them on inferior contracts, and to outlaw zero-hours contracts, which leave workers with no guaranteed hours. These measures, according to TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, are beneficial for both workers and employers. He warns that businesses relying on low-wage, insecure employment models will need to adapt.
The government’s presence at the conference is also significant. A government figure is expected to speak on Tuesday, with speculation surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attendance. The Labour Party, traditionally receiving substantial financial contributions from trade unions, will be closely watching the TUC’s demands and how they navigate this new era of collaboration.
