UnionDues

10 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

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, 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, signposting, backgroound here Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 payment to musicians. In a top-drawer #thought4theweek  Glasgow University's Professor of Work and Employment Mel Simms reflects on being taken out of her comfort zone in the search for new understandings on the future of work – and how the Musicians' union and others are  in front of the curve by some way.  Companion blog here. You can buy us a virtual coffee at ko-fi/uniondues Timestamps:  Mel – 1m37s, Naomi 6m24s, Total runtime 32m42s

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 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 Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 "monstered" by the Daily Mail to an innovative partnership with the GFTU, this is a story not to miss. Plus, of course, Professor Mel Simms and her #thought4theweek Timings #thought4theweek - 1m42s, StrikeMap introduction – 3m57s Rob and Henry - How we began – 5m48s Rob and Henry – How we met, where did the StrikeMap idea come from – 13m49s Red For Key Workers – 14m22s StrikeMap  moving on and moving up – 16m15s A week in the life of a StrikeMap volunteer – 22m05s StrikeMap  - there's always something new – 29m35s StrikeMap and surprising reactions – 30m14s That Daily Mail article – 36m37s The GFTU deal – 41m05s Future hopes and plans – 47m25s Total run time – 57m25s Companion blog with links, signposting etc at bit.ly/MYTStrikemap. Feel free to buy us a virtual coffee to support the podcast at ko-fi.com/uniondues A Makes-You-Think production  

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 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  

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 urges more public discourse on the role and function of unions – and so say all of us! Companion blog here

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:  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

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, 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 give a voice to those denied one for so long. We don't ignore or minimise these matters, but place them in the context of the remedial and preventative work being done across the movement, with unions such as ASLEF and BFAWU being particularly pro-active. We hear from Fliss Premru on how #meTU came into being, and what changes it seeks to achieve.  And Sarah Wooley, General Secretary of the Bakers' and Food Workers' union gives her unique and powerful perspective on the steps she has taken to strength the democracy and unity of her own union, why the movement needs to get its house in order, and how we can tell if we are making progress. This podcast is not always comfortable listening – nor should it be.  But if you want the true and complete trade union view on sexual harassment, it is a must-hear event. A companion blog with links, signposting and background is here

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 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.

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 Makes-You-Think production.

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 Holmes.  A Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 #RadicalRoundUp, and news of a brand new podcast from the UnionDues stable.  A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes. A member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Timestamps 2m01s - #thought4theweek, with Mel Simms, 5m28s - Kevin Slocombe  (6m48s – CWU,  17m14s - LOTO, 29m10s – Bristol), 36m44s - #RadicalRoundUp, with Basit Mahmood, 40m21s - New podcast news! Total run time  - 43m57s  

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 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-You-Think production

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 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-Think production.

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 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 of the Labor Radio Podcast Network,  Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production. Timestamps:  Mel Simms – 2m27s, Alice Martin - 7m37s, Basit Mahmood – 46m.33s, Jack Dromey tribute – 50m08s

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.

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 #RadicalRoundUp.  Music by Scott Holmes, part of the Labour Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.

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 Basit Mahmood previews the #RadicalRoundUp.  Music by Scott Holmes.  Union Message by Luke Roderick/LRPN. A Makes You Think production

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 Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes.  Companion blog (for links, signposting, background) here.

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 The Pete Dunhill Choir.  A Makes-You-Think production.  

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. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.  contact the show on uniondues@makes-you-think.com 

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 here. A Makes-You-Think production

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 by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production

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  

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. Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e4blog Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production

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    

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.

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 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 between older and younger workers is a fundamental and damaging misunderstanding of issues that affect both groups.  That's in #Thought4TheWeek. Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp looks at industrial action at Liverpool University,  employment rights for Addison Lee drivers, concerns over a new government Fire  advisor, plus a ramping up of the campaign against the public and sector pay freeze. Plus arrangements for the important, poignant, annual Workers' Memorial Day Companion blog available at /bit.ly/UDsupplychains.  Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production.

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 @DuesUnion

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 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 customers and clients as well las the workforce. Professor Mel Simms's #thought4the week looks at how the Government's budget last week was a missed opportunity when it comes to the greening of work and workplaces – and why that is so important to Unions.  Plus,  Josiah Mortimer's weekly. #RadicalRoundUp, some exciting new research on union effectiveness from Unite, and a shout out to Health unions protesting in response to a 1% pay offer from Government, with national slow-handclaps to show disapproval announced by Unison. Companion blog is here.  This episode is the last of the current series,  but we shall return.  While we're taking a break,  you can still email us  - uniondues@makes-you-think.com – tweet us @DuesUnion. We are part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 you would expect,  she is also passionate about the importance of public service broadcasting  in general and the BBC in particular. We also have a barnstorming #thought4theweek with Prof. Mel Simms, reflecting this week that having a seat at the table is just as important as what we say when we ‘re sat down at it. Plus LFF's very own Josiah Mortimer previews his #RadicalRoundUp – including structural racism in the UK labour market, dodgy car makers, and living wage employers who, er, don't want to pay the living wage. A Makes You Think production.  Companion blog available here  

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 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 Department.  It's author, Andrea Oates, is our special guest. Plus Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp.  A Makes-You-Think production

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 #thought4theweek.  We shout out to Openreach engineers in dispute. And Josiah Mortimer shares his #RadicalRoundUp – including collapsing union confidence in government Covid response, important developments in the Heathrow Airport #FireAndRehire dispute, and students and unions at SOAS demand a better deal from university authorities. The UnionDues podcast is part of the Labor Radio Podcast network. Read the companion blog here.  A Makes You Think production

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 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 disagree well.”  The HR community also do not escape scathing scrutiny, responsible, according to David, for “fanning the flames of fury and anger” with a procedure-driven,  litigation-centred approach supported by grievance and discipline policies that “are the antithesis of everything that makes a good human being.” Prof. Mel Simms looks at the importance of evidence-based policy making, and how easy it is to be distracted in her latest Thought for The Week,  Josiah Mortimer previews this week's Radical Round Up and we look at the GMB's great campaign to dissuade British Gas from their “fire-and-rehire” proposals. Companion blog here.  Music by Scott Holmes.  A Makes-You-Think production

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 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 cutting funding to the Union Learning Fund.   With Josiah Mortimer's Radical Roundup.  Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production

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 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 missed. Plus shout-outs to the FBU,  Unison, RCN and RCM  - all fighting for public safety and a fair deal and for their front line members. UnionDues is part of the Labour Radio Podcast Network. Music by Scott Holmes. Read the companion blog at http://bit.ly/UnionInnovationBlog  

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 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 (or maybe not, which would be worse) We also look at why the union is reluctantly preparing for industrial action at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service,  the merits of the joint venture  with Unison that created Managers In Partnership (a union structure for senior health sector staff), and why blowhards for reform should “walk in the shoes” of the civil servants they're criticising, and how being FDA General Secretary is the best job in the world. Plus eye-catching stories from around the labour movement involving maps, priests and gas fitters, and Prof Mel Simms from the University of Glasgow  shares her “thought for the week” on the NEU safe schools campaign. A member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.   Companion blog here.  Access all episodes here. Produced by Makes You Think

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 access all the shows we sample at www.laborradionetwork.org    UnionDues series 3 will be available from January. A Makes-You-Think production

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 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

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  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 tales from musicians of great skill and passion.  But the story behind the album is just as fascinating, for folk music novices and afficionados alike. As Brian says, folk music is not only “three chords and the truth” but “a living tradition reflecting the lives of working people which are often overlooked.”  Working River – Songs and music of the Thames is available as a CD or download from Folktree recordings.  There's a great illustrated commentary from Brian and all proceeds go to the GFTU educational trust – a good cause indeed.  Companion blog here.  A Makes-You-Think production.        

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, 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 Conservatives lambast the CBI  over firm-level training,  gloves off over BT plans for compulsory redundancies, and USDAW's plea to Welsh shoppers. Companion blogpost here.  UnionDues is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network of over 70 union-related podcasts, accessible via the LRPN portal.  You can also stream or download this and all episodes here.  Contact the show at uniondues@makes-you-think.com  or @DuesUnion. Stream, download, share, rate, comment but above all enjoy!

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 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 at Bullivant Media and Unite puts  Heathrow Airport management on the spot in a row on jobs and pay. Companion blog post here. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 digital strategy.  Plus news on or from Unionlearn, the GFTU, and Labour Research. Companion blogpost here. A Makes-You-Think production.

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 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 time to for Roz to share her trade union journey, from very junior civil servant,  via chair of the STUC's Youth Committee, co-hosting a session at the centenary STUC Congress with the legendary Mick McGahey, to the hopes for the role she now holds. As you'll hear – the glass is definitely and defiantly half-full. Read the companion blogpost A Makes-You-Think production.    

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 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 diversity in the creative industries is no accident – and that makes action on inclusivity imperative. With Pam Morton (NUJ) Kate Dearden (Community) founders of the new Creator Union, Kat Molesworth and Nicole Ocran, and Paul Evans (BECTU) . UnionDues is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.  Read the companion blogpost. A Makes-you-Think production. Timestamps- NUJ - 2m55s, Community - 11m23s, TCU - 19m04s, Bectu - 31m13s

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 900,000 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 launched a comprehensive campaign to save the sector.  The companion blogpost is here, and you can reach nearly 70 trade union related podcasts through the Labor Radio Podcast Network portal .  A Makes You Think production                

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.

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 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 back to  a union recruitment drive from 60 years ago when the then National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers commissioned legendary singer, songwriter and activist Ewan MacColl to record a song for them.  Hear the tune and the background to it on the show. Email us at uniondues@makes-you-think.com or tweet us @DuesUnion.   Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.  A Makes-You-Think production    

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 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.

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 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 this aspiration a reality? Worrying news on Employment Tribunal waiting times A senior Aviva analyst calls for high earners to contribute first and most if cash is short UnionDues is on holiday until September, when we return for our second series.  Thanks to all our guests and everyone who has listened, commented, emailed,  tweeted and retweeted. You can read the companion blog is here and access this and all episodes here.  Please download, stream, listen, share, rate, but above all enjoy. Join the conversation:  uniondues@makes-you-think.com,  @DuesUnion. A Makes-You-Think production