'Mon The Workers

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Welcome to ‘Mon the Workers, a brand new podcast brought to you by the Scottish Trades Union Congress. On this podcast we’ll be bringing you into conversations with workers, activists and leading experts to talk about workers struggles in Scotland and how workers are coming together to fight back. So whether you’re a seasoned trade unionist, or someone who’s newly interested in workers struggles in Scotland, this is the podcast for you.

Scottish Trades Union Congress

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    • Mar 8, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from 'Mon The Workers

    Why Workers Deserve to get Home Safely with the Musicians Union and Unite the Union

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 20:44


    Hello and welcome back to another episode of 'Mon the Workers. In this episode we're going to be speaking with trade unionists about getting home safely from work - public transport and why this is a feminist trade union issue. Getting home safely is a major issue, affecting a wide range of workers, particularly in the entertainment industry where shifts often run late into the night. This issue is particularly of concern to women, with a recent Government study showing that nearly 60% of women say they do not feel safe when using public transport and a staggering 8 out of 10 of women reported that they felt unsafe waiting for a bus after dark. With Dr Diljeet Bhachu from the Musicians Union, and Caitlin Lee from Unite the Union. To find out more about the Get Me Home Safely Campaign visit https://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/get-me-home-safely-campaign/Hosted by by Karina Liptrot and Rachel Thomson, and edited by Karina Liptrot. To find out more about the STUC, visit our social media channels where our username is @ScottishTUC

    How the Public Rallied Together to Support Striking Workers with Southside Strike Solidarity and the CWU

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 23:34


    Welcome to season 3 of 'Mon the Workers. In this episode we sat down with CWU posties to discuss Southside Strike Solidarity, picket lines and THAT calendar

    'Mon the Workers Interview: How to Effectively Organise with Claire Peden

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 13:20


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we're joined by Claire Peden. Having long been interested in workers' rights, Claire attended a short union course and immediately became an activist. An organising role with the Bakers' Union followed, and she helped mobilise fast food workers, not least when 2018's ‘Beast from the East' storm struck.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Xabier Villares & the Gig Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 18:07


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, our guest is Xabier Villares. Through his job as a delivery rider, Xabier saw the conditions that gig economy workers toil under, as he details here. He also describes his work with the Workers' Observatory Project, which seeks to challenge conditions in self-employed work and considers the future role of trade unions.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Eilis O'Keefe & Better than Zero campaign in Cineworld

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 9:04


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, our guest is Eilis O'Keefe. As a student, Eilis worked at Cineworld. A sudden shift in working conditions led her to engage with the STUC's Better Than Zero campaign and inspired continuing involvement with the trade union movement. Here she details her campaigning journey.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Caroline Baird & Freedom from Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 12:09


    Hello and welcome to 'Mon the Workers. In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we're joined by Caroline Baird. Caroline began working for Tesco in 2007 and joined USDAW. She later became a rep and an enthusiastic champion of the Freedom From Fear campaign, which highlights the abuse of shopworkers by customers, and helped bring about a new protective law in Scotland, as we'll now hear.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Tam Dewar & CWU Campaigns in Royal Mail

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 11:32


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we're joined by Tam Dewar. Tam has been a union member all his working life. In the 1990s he became a postal worker and has taken part in a number of successful actions to protect conditions, culminating in the 2018 battle to save Royal Mail, which he details here. Tam also outlines what his union, the CWU, has been doing to appeal to younger people.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Catrina Randall & Friends of the Earth Scotland at COP26

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 13:51


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50. This time, Catrina Randall joins us. Catrina works for Friends of the Earth Scotland and has seen what climate activists and trade unionists working together can achieve. Here she outlines their inspirational unity during in 2021's COP26 event in Glasgow. Catrina begins with a look back at her family's trade union heritage.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Satnam Ner & the Anti Racism Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 11:45


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we're hearing from Satnam Ner. Prospect rep Satnam is a long-term member of the STUC Black Workers' Committee. The St Andrew's Day March they organise has become a key date in the trade union calendar, and an energetic presence in the fight against racism and fascism. Here he describes what it means to him and the wider movement.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Keetah Konstant and Better than Zero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 8:36


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we're joined by Keetah Konstant. As the STUC's 125th year began, bartender Keetah was campaigning for better working conditions and union recognition in the hospitality industry. Colleagues at the Macmerry 300 chain of bars had begun collective action over issues common in that sector. Keetah also talked about the STUC's Better Than Zero campaign, and began by outlining her own entry to the world of unions.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Coll McCail & COP26 Activism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 9:46


    In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we hear the words of Coll McCail. A young climate activist, Coll was galvanised by the Fridays For Future school strikes of 2019. COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference, held in Glasgow in 2021 – saw him and his fellow activists come together with trade unionists, casting a template for united action. Here, Coll begins by relaying the inspirations behind his trade union principles.Don't forget to follow us on social media @SocttishTUC.

    'Mon the Workers Interview: Margot Russell & the Miners Strike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 12:44


    Welcome to 'Mon the Workers. In these special episodes of the podcast, we'll be hearing from some of the people who spoke to Daniel Gray for the STUC book ‘Mon the Workers: Celebrating 125 Years of the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Published by Luath Press and available in all the usual places, it includes interviews with 75 trade unionists and portrait photographs of a further 50.This time, we hear from Margot Russell. Though the miners' strike of 1984 ended in defeat, there were victories of solidarity and organisation, and moments of lifechanging inspiration. Margot helped run a soup kitchen in Midlothian and like her friends volunteering there was politicised for life, and is still a local councillor today. Here, Margot begins her story at the point she began working.Don't forget to follow us on social media at @ScottishTUC

    'Mon the Workers Book Launch with Author Daniel Gray

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 11:50


    Welcome to Season 2 of 'Mon the Workers, a podcast brought to you by the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Today we're speaking to Daniel Gray, author of the STUC's new book, also named 'Mon the Workers, celebrating 125 years of the STUC.Over the next few episodes Daniel will be interviewing a range of trade union activists in Scotland, discussing their experiences of trade unionism and the battles they've faced. From local workplace struggles to international solidarity campaigns, the interviews will weave together a diverse range of stories, straight from the workers who made it happen.If you require the transcript please email info@stuc.org.uk***The postman and the primary teacher, the midwife and the musician. Workers in shops, workers at sea. Solidarity with the Columbian farmer and the Palestinian fireman…Modern trade unionists in Scotland perform all types of role in every imaginable location and are drawn from all backgrounds. They campaign to win on issues facing the colleague next to them and a comrade thousands of miles away.‘Mon the Workers lets them tell their stories, in their words. It is a celebration of 125 years of the STUC, and a clarion call for the next generation to agitate, organise and win.‘Mon the Workers demonstrates past achievements, explores the ideas trade unionists have fought for and rouses the movement towards future victories. 75 trade union members, reps and officials tell short stories of union life from the anti-apartheid movement to Wick Wants Work. Their written portraits are accompanied by 50 charismatic documentary images of other, fellow trade unionists.Surprising, amusing, touching and occasionally infuriating, this very human book pulsates with the heartbeat of the trade union movement which has achieved so much and still has more to do.***Pre-order the book by visiting this link: https://www.luath.co.uk/product/mon-the-workersPodcast hosted by Karina Liptrot and Rachel Thomson, and edited by Karina Liptrot. Don't forget to follow us on social media at @ScottishTUC.

    Sexual Harassment and Gender Inequality with EIS

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 25:13


    Welcome to episode 7 of 'Mon the Workers, in this episode we are commemorating International Women's Day by discussing gender equality, women's trade union activism, misogyny and sexual harassment. We are joined by Selma Augestad, Andrene Bamford and Julie Ferguson from EIS. We also cover the Silence is Compliance report on sexual harassment by the STUC Women's Committee.Listen via:

    What is the Gender Reform Act, and why is it important? With the chair of the STUC LGBT+ Committee

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 18:07


    Welcome back to another episode of 'Mon the Workers. In this episode, Euan and Karina will be taking a step back from their usual presenter roles, as we will be hearing from Trans and LGBTQ+ activists on the topic of the Gender Recognition Act – or as you may know it – the GRA.With Ciorstaidh Reichle, current chair of the STUC LGBT+ Committee.Hosted by Karina Liptrot and Euan McLaren, and edited by Karina Liptrot.www.stuc.org.uk@ScottishTUC

    How Hospitality Workers United in a Collective Grievance Against their Employer, with Unite Hospitality and Better Than Zero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 21:58


    Welcome back! We kick off the new year by speaking with union activist and hospitality worker, Keetah Konstant, Unite Hospitality organiser, Bryan Simpson and Better than Zero coordinator, Tam Wilson around the #MacMerry dispute.Tune in for more information around the ongoing dispute, and to see how you can organise and fight back with your co-workers. Find out more by looking up @FairHospitality and @BetterThanZero on Twitter.Hosted by Euan McLaren and Karina Liptrot, and edited by Karina Liptrot.Don't forget to follow @ScottishTUC on all social media.

    Disability History Month and Invisible Disabilities with Unison and NASUWT

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 18:44


    On this episode of 'Mon the Workers we are joined by Tony Slaven, Vice Chair of the STUC Disabled Workers' Committee and Helen Auld, Scotland Vice President of NASUWT.Helen and Tony talk about their own experience of living with invisible disabilities, neurodivergence and mental health, and what people can do to help raise awareness of the impact of living with a hidden disability.Hosted by Karina Liptrot and Euan McLaren and edited by Karina Liptrot. Don't forget to follow us at @ScottishTUC on social media.

    COP26 and a Just Transition with Unison, Prospect, GMB & Friends of the Earth Scotland

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 20:59


    We catch up with trade unionists from inside and outside COP26, and hear their take on what impact the Glasgow Climate Pact will have on workers, why we need a Just Transition and how we can support the striking GMB cleansing workers.Hosted by Karina Liptrot and Euan McLaren, and edited by Karina Liptrot. Don't forget to follow us at @ScottishTUC

    Make Bosses Pay: Why We Need Unions with Eve Livingston

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 37:28


    Welcome back! On this episode of 'Mon the Workers, we're speaking to Eve Livingston about her new book, “Make Bosses Pay”. Together we discuss the need for “deep organising”, what trade unions need to be doing in order to recruit and retain young people and what Sharon Graham's election says about trade unions today.You can order Eve's book here: Make Bosses Pay (plutobooks.com)Hosted by Euan McLaren and Rachel Thomson, and edited by Karina Liptrot.Follow us on social media at @ScottishTUC

    The Four Day Week with Autonomy & PCS

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 53:14


    In our first official episode of 'Mon The Workers, we are joined by Will Stronge from Autonomy and Ruby Gibson from PCS to discuss the plausibility of a four day week in Scotland.Find out how a shorter working week could benefit those on both full and part time work, hear success stories, and explore how a four day week could address key mental health concerns and improve workers' wellbeing.Hosted by Euan McLaren and Rachel Thomson, and edited by Karina Liptrot.

    Introduction & Welcome

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 1:26


    Welcome to 'Mon the Workers - a podcast brought to you by the Scottish Trades Union Congress. In the coming months, we will be sitting down with workers, activists and leading experts to speak about workers struggles. Whether you're a seasoned trade unionist, or someone who is looking to find out more - this is the podcast for you! Stay tuned for Episode 1 - coming soon!

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